Ghanaian sprinter Benjamin Azamati has called on President John Dramani Mahama and his government to prioritize investment in sports, including athletics, to help develop talents.
“Lack of government support is hindering Ghanaian athletes from winning medals” said Benjamin Azamati.
He called for greater government support pushing for Ghanaian athletics to thrive on the global stage.
Azamati attributed the inability of Ghanaian athletes to win major medals to a lack of adequate financial support from the government for athletes to attend meets.
Azamati, a member of Ghana’s 4x100m relay team that qualified for the Paris Olympics, has been outspoken about the need for increased investment in athletics to help athletes achieve success on the international stage.
He highlighted the importance of providing resources for athletes to participate in preparatory competitions ahead of major events like the World Championships and Olympic Games.
“Before my first Olympics, when I ran 9.97, I had to sit out for about a month before competing. If there had been support, I could have gone to Europe to compete because I was in great form. Unfortunately, none of that support came,”.
“I had to train on my own and ended up running my worst time of the season at the Olympics. Supporting athletes after college isn’t just about giving them money for food; it’s about facilitating their participation in competitions to stay in shape and build confidence before major tournaments. Without that, we’ll continue to see athletes perform well in college but struggle in international events,” he told the media.
Azamati and friends hosted the third edition of the Ghana Junior Olympics, an event aimed at discovering and nurturing young athletic talent at the University of Ghana Stadium on Thursday, December 26, 2024.
The event attracted budding young talents from Ghana and abroad.
Azamati who switched from football to track & field said though 2024 was not a good season, he was able to make his second appearance at the Paris 2024 Games after Tokyo 2020 representing his country.. By Sammy Heywood Okine
More Stories
Who is the current best Welterweight boxer in Ghana, Malm or Segbedzi?
Derrick ‘Show Love’ Quaye Jumps Into List Of Boxing Ghana Best 10 Pound For Pound Boxers
Heroes Supporters Group ready to support Ghana Black Stars at the FIFA World Cup in USA, Mexico and Canada