Members of the Gambia Wrestling Association and its affiliated clubs Saturday re-elected Matarr Jarjue, a veteran Gambian wrestler as the president of the Association. He now heads a nine-man executive committee that will steer the affairs of the Association for the next four years.

Matarr Jarjue was elected president; vice-president –Abdou Syllon; secretary general Habibou Nyassi went unopposed; assistant secretary general, Awa Njie, unopposed; treasurer, Yankuba Jatta, unopposed; assistant treasurer Sulayman Gaye unopposed; auditor, AINOS Jarjue unopposed; public relations officer, Matarr Saine, unopposed; and organising secretary Musa Ceesay unopposed.

Speakingto the Congress delegates at the Independence Stadium,the director of Youth and Sports, Malang Jarseynoted that President Jammeh has been supporting wrestling in the country.

For his part Mamudou Max Jallow, the executive secretary of the National Sports Council (NSC) said that wrestling is now a popular sport within the Ecowas member countries and disclosed that preparations are now at an advanced stage for The Gambia to host a four-nation Ecowas Wrestling Championship.

He assured the gathering that NSC will closely work with the new executive of the Gambia Wrestling Association and give them all the necessary support for wrestling to develop in the Country. He also called on the private sector to invest in wrestling. Jallow finally thanked the outgoing executive of the Association for the good work they have done during their tenure.

During the elections, two candidates were nominated for the post of president, namely Mattar Jarjue and Abdoulie Bojang alias Ablo. However, Bojang suddenly withdrew his candidature for the presidency and instead contested for the position of vice-president, but was defeated by Abdou Syllon, who pulled 33 votes against his [Abdoulie Bojang’s] 17 votes.

Speaking to the congress delegates shortly after the results were announced by the officials of the NSC who presided over the elections, the president-elect, Matarr Jarjue thanked the delegates for giving him another chance to serve them and assured them he and the new executive will live up to expectation and will do their ulmost best to develop wrestling in The Gambia.

On his part, Abdoulie Bojang said the election was well cooked against him. He, however, added that he will continue with Ablo Promotions because his aim is to develop wrestling in the country.