Sports
IOC approves Tokyo Olympics weightlifting qualifying extension
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved the International Weightlifting Federation’s (IWF) revised Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 qualifying system.
With the COVID-19 pandemic and postponement of Tokyo 2020, the IWF have revised the qualifying system for the Olympic Games next year. The new period will run from October 1 2020 to April 30, 2021 and allow for further qualification.
It will also allow replacement events for those cancelled to be held during this period.
All results and rankings achieved by weightlifters during the qualifying events prior to the suspension of qualifying will be retained.
“The IWF is deeply conscious of the efforts made by weightlifters and those who support them to pursue their Olympic dreams at Tokyo 2020,” said IWF Acting President Ursula Papandrea.
“Preserving their progress was a vital step for us, as was ensuring a similar range of opportunities to those being provided before the pandemic halted the Olympic Qualification System for weightlifting.”
Even if athletes have secured enough points to qualify, they will be required to compete at least one more time during this new period.
The original qualifying schedule was split into three six-month phases and was expected to end on April 30 this year. Athletes were required to have competed in at least six competitions over this 18-month period.
Additionally, entry in at least one IWF World Championships or continental championships is compulsory. All five continental championships that were scheduled in the first half of this year were already postponed.
A total of 56 men and 56 women will qualify on the basis of world ranking points with a further 35 men and 35 women to qualify on continental ranking points.
Meanwhile, three men and three women will be granted host country qualifying status and four men and four women will receive tripartite commission invitations. – Tokyo 2020
Management of Asempa FM has issued a public apology to the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr. Kofi Adams, after wrongly quoting him in a recent publication about the selection of players for the Black Stars.
In a statement released by the station’s management, Asempa FM admitted that a quote card shared after Kofi Adams’ interview on Ultimate Sports Show on 13th October 2025 misrepresented his actual remarks.
According to the station, the error created a wrong impression that the Sports Minister was directly involved in selecting players for the national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“The wording on the artwork may have created a misleading impression. For clarity, the Honorable Minister stated that the final decision on player selection rests solely with the technical team, and he emphasized the importance of transparency and merit-based selection,” the statement said.
Asempa FM expressed deep regret for the misrepresentation and apologized to Kofi Adams and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
The management further assured the public that the station would take steps to ensure greater accuracy and care in its future communications.
“We hold Kofi Adams and his office in the highest regard and deeply regret any inconvenience or misunderstanding caused,” the statement concluded.
By: Jacob Aggrey
When Otto Addo took charge, Ghana sat fourth in Group I with just three points from two matches — a situation that seemed daunting for even the most optimistic fans. But what followed was one of the most remarkable turnarounds in African World Cup qualifying history.
Addo’s arrival brought renewed tactical clarity and belief. He restructured the team’s shape, redefined roles, and instilled discipline in both defense and attack. The results began to flow as Ghana went on an astonishing run of victories.
The coach’s calm leadership was crucial in restoring confidence to key players who had lost form. Veterans found new motivation, while youngsters flourished under his guidance, creating a perfect blend of maturity and energy.
Each win became a statement of intent — that Ghana was back. The team’s comeback victories over tough opponents like Mali and Central African Republic showed resilience and mental fortitude.
By the end of the campaign, the Black Stars had climbed from fourth to first, topping the group with 25 points and a +17-goal difference — a clear testament to Otto Addo’s transformational leadership.
This turnaround will go down in Ghana’s football annals as a story of hope, determination, and tactical brilliance that brought the nation back to the world stage.
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