Gambia hosts sub-regional mixed martial arts competition

By Sulayman Waan

The Gambia Martial Art Association recently hosted the sub-regional mixed martial arts competition at Africell-KM Park in Bakau, Kanifing Municipality.

The sub-regional competition comprised The Gambia Martial Art Association, Senegal and Guinea. It attracted several talented Martial Artists and lovers of the game from The Gambia and beyond.

However, despite inviting the National Sports Council and other high profile Gambians authorities no one attended the sub-regional competition. It was only attended by martial arts lovers.

 Conversely, The Gambia won larger gold medals than Senegal and Guinea.

 The association often organized national mixed martial championships but this year it held an open championship by inviting neighboring Senegal and Guinea.

The Gambia was represented by four arts martial clubs and won six gold medals, three silvers medals and two browns, while neighboring Senegal won four gold medals and Guinea won one gold medal.

The Gambian under 15 team won eight gold medals.

Meanwhile, Gambian top MMA fighter Ebrima Jallow alias “Guigy” 89 kg have been crowned champion of the open Gambia MMA fight night. He is a Gambian fighter training at Master Moo’s Club.

In his reaction, Modou Jang alias Master Moo, President of Gambia Martial Arts Association said the open mix martial art competition aimed to empower and develop martial arts in The Gambia.

He commended both Senegalese and Guinea participants for their tremendous performance.

Master Moo lamented that The Gambia Martial Art Association had faced severe challenges in organizing the sub-regional competition due to lack of financial aid.

He called on the government to support the sector, noting that it is highly significant in boosting youth employment.

“Martial Art is a sport like any other sporty activity. So, we deserve support,” he said, while calling on the private sector for support them.

Sayerr Nyang, Senegalese martial art coach, described the competition as essential.

“The Gambia and Senegal are one nation. So, we do not come here to win but to reinforce our partnership with the Gambia Martial Art Association,” he said.

 Coach Nyang commended both Senegalese and Gambian youth for maintaining peace in the course of the completion.

Ebrima Jallow aliases Guigy who won two Senegalese champions said he earned victory following a very intensive training in recent months. He called on the government to support the Gambia Martial Art Association, saying if supported Gambian young people would be recognized internationally.

SW/COB/08/05/25