By Victor Kanayo
Ahead of March 2024, a new period for the upcoming African Games, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is now scheduled to make its debut.
According to the organisers, the sport will feature in the wider sports programme of the continent’s biggest sporting fiesta scheduled between March 8 and. 23.
Guaranteed Approval
Speaking specifically on Monday, the President of the Ghanian National Olympic Committee Ben Nunoo Mensah said, “Adding MMA into the programme of sports is a very positive sign that Africa is ready to welcome the newer sports and those sports that have a great global interest.
“There are many youngsters not only in Ghana, but across Africa that are participating in MMA and these games provide a great opportunity to witness the best athletes in Africa competing in this exciting sport.”
GAMMA Applause
Welcoming the latest development, President of the Global Association of Mixed Martial Arts (GAMMA) Alexander Engelhardt said, “We are absolutely delighted that the organisers have included us as one of the demonstration sports and we hope that this will be a catalyst for inclusion in other multi-sport games in the future.
“The work of our organisation, the quality of our athletes, our ability to stage the very best events, and the value of our global community is being recognised by our inclusion and this event will surely help our sport to continue its rapid growth.”
GAMMA has 24-member federations in Africa.
This year’s African Games was set to take place in August but has been postponed to 2024 due to economic and infrastructure issues.
MMA And Others
MMA will now join e-sports, speedball, sambo and teqball as part of the demonstration sports.
They will sit alongside the 15 Olympic sports previously announced, many of which will offer Olympic qualification opportunities for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, and the 10 non-Olympic sports.
