The Gambia Boxe Chinoise Federation is preparing to host an international training course and national competition as part of its ongoing efforts to promote the sport of Boxe Chinoise in the country. These events will feature participants from six African countries, namely Senegal, Mali, Mauritania, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Conakry, and Ivory Coast, and are scheduled to take place on the 27th and 28th of September 2024.
The Federation, which was established in August 2019, is committed to fostering a healthy and resilient community through the practice of Boxe Chinoise. It targets youth over the age of 12 and focuses on addressing issues of high crime rates by equipping young people with valuable self-defense skills. In addition to promoting discipline and empowering youth, the Federation is also aiming to improve the technical skills of athletes, coaches, and referees.
As part of these initiatives, the Federation held a courtesy call visit on Tuesday to the Acting Executive Director of the National Sports Council (NSC), Mr. Mahmoud L. Jawla. During the visit, the Federation briefed Mr. Jawla on their upcoming events and extended an invitation for the Council’s participation. They also used the opportunity to seek financial support from the Ministry of Youth and Sports for the hosting of these events.
Mr. Jawla, in response, advised the Federation to formalize their request by submitting a proposal to the NSC, which would then be forwarded to the Ministry for consideration. The Federation’s efforts align with the broader national strategy of using sports as a tool for youth empowerment, discipline, and international representation.
The upcoming events are part of the Federation’s ongoing work to strengthen Boxe Chinoise as a competitive sport in The Gambia. Among their objectives is the establishment of a national team that will compete internationally, while also building a foundation for the sport within local communities. The Federation’s work aims to equip young Gambians with valuable skills, foster international collaboration, and promote the sport across the continent.
The Gambia Boxe Chinoise Federation also aims to train local referees and coaches to ensure the sport’s sustainability and competitiveness, while encouraging youth participation in physical activities that build self-discipline and resilience.
These efforts are expected to have a long-lasting impact on both individual participants and the overall sports landscape in The Gambia.