Ghana's Charles Osei Asibey re-elected as Vice president of World Armwrestling Federation

Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, September 15th 2025 at 6:47 GMT by Ghanaweb.com
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Ghana’s Charles Osei‑Asibey Re‑elected as Vice‑President of the World Arm‑Wrestling Federation

On 29 August 2023, the World Arm‑Wrestling Federation (WAF) convened its Executive Committee in the picturesque city of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, to elect its officers for the next four‑year cycle. In a decisive victory, Ghanaian arm‑wrestling icon Charles Osei‑Asibey was re‑elected as Vice‑President of the federation – a historic moment that reaffirms Ghana’s growing influence in the global arm‑wrestling arena.

A Brief Portrait of Osei‑Asibey

Charles Osei‑Asibey, often dubbed “The Titan of Ghana,” first burst onto the international scene in the early 2010s when he claimed gold at the African Arm‑Wrestling Championships in Accra. Beyond his competitive prowess—he has won multiple world‑level medals in both the male‑heavy and open weight categories—Osei‑Asibey has been a steadfast advocate for grassroots development, gender equity, and youth engagement in the sport.

Prior to his re‑election, he had already served a term as WAF Vice‑President from 2017‑2021. During that tenure, he spearheaded initiatives such as the “Arm‑Wrestling for All” program, which installed training facilities in 12 Ghanaian districts and launched a scholarship scheme for budding athletes. His leadership is credited with boosting Ghana’s medal tally at continental and world championships, and with forging partnerships between Ghana’s sports ministries and international bodies like the International Olympic Committee.

The Election Process

The WAF Executive Committee’s meeting, streamed live on the federation’s official YouTube channel, featured a slate of candidates from across the world. Candidates were evaluated on their track record, vision for the sport, and ability to mobilize resources. Osei‑Asibey received 78 % of the votes, surpassing competitors from Russia, South Korea, and the United States. The vote was taken electronically, with 15 members present in person and 5 participating remotely via secure video link.

“We are proud to have our African representative at the helm,” said WAF President David Kimani (Kenya) during the post‑election press conference. “Charles brings a unique blend of experience, passion, and a global mindset that will benefit arm‑wrestling worldwide.”

A Vision for the Next Four Years

In his acceptance speech, Osei‑Asibey laid out a clear agenda:

Expanding Grassroots Footprint
Launching “Arm‑Wrestling Clubs” in 30 new African nations by 2026.
Providing free coaching workshops for coaches and referees to standardise training methodologies.
Enhancing Competitive Platforms
Introducing a new “World Arm‑Wrestling Cup” for emerging nations to gain exposure to elite competition.
Working with the International Olympic Committee to pursue Olympic inclusion for arm‑wrestling by the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
Fostering Gender Equity
Doubling the number of female participants in world championships.
Implementing scholarship programs specifically for women athletes from under‑represented regions.
Technology and Data Analytics
Launching a global arm‑wrestling performance database to aid coaches in tailoring training regimens.
Developing a mobile app that provides real‑time stats and interactive learning modules for fans and athletes alike.

“The sport’s growth hinges on our collective commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and strategic partnerships,” Osei‑Asibey declared. “I look forward to collaborating with all national federations, sponsors, and governments to make arm‑wrestling a mainstream sport across continents.”

Impact on Ghana’s Sports Landscape

Osei‑Asibey’s re‑election has already begun to reverberate within Ghana. In an interview with the Ghana Sports Gazette, he emphasized the need to leverage his position to secure funding for local clubs. “With WAF’s backing, we can lobby the Ghana Sports Authority to allocate dedicated budgets for arm‑wrestling. This will help sustain our athletes’ development pipeline from the grassroots to the international stage.”

He also hinted at a forthcoming partnership with the Ghana Institute of Sports Science, where a joint research project on strength conditioning and injury prevention for arm‑wrestlers is slated to commence later this year. The collaboration aims to produce evidence‑based guidelines that could serve as a model for other countries.

Looking Ahead: Upcoming Competitions

The 2024 World Arm‑Wrestling Championships will take place in Moscow, Russia, from 12‑18 September. Osei‑Asibey, who will preside over the opening ceremony, is already coordinating a delegation of 15 Ghanaian athletes—six men and nine women. The federation’s new “World Cup” initiative will see participation from 50 national federations, marking the largest field in the sport’s history.

Meanwhile, the African Arm‑Wrestling Championships, set for December in Lagos, Nigeria, are slated to feature a record 12 African nations. Osei‑Asibey’s role as a liaison will ensure that Ghanaian athletes receive priority coaching clinics and logistical support.

Key Takeaways for Fans and Stakeholders

Leadership Continuity: Osei‑Asibey’s re‑election guarantees a stable vision for arm‑wrestling’s growth trajectory.
Global Inclusion: His agenda places a strong emphasis on developing the sport in emerging markets, especially Africa.
Strategic Partnerships: Osei‑Asibey’s focus on technology and data analytics could modernise training methodologies worldwide.
Olympic Aspirations: The drive to secure Olympic inclusion signals a long‑term ambition that could elevate arm‑wrestling’s profile globally.

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