Policewoman Grace Minta, in a thrilling finale at the 2024 World Armwrestling Championships in Moldova, has made history by clinching the coveted gold medal in the women’s 80kg category. The packed arena erupted in cheers from the “Africa for Africa” team as Minta defeated her competitors from Sweden, Ukraine, Germany, Turkey, and others in a nail-biting match that went into overtime.

Minta, who becomes the first Ghanaian to win a world championships medal after grabbing gold in the Master Women 80kg left-arm contest, had a journey to the top that was nothing short of remarkable.

Gaining her first global experience at the 2023 World Combat Games in Saudi Arabia, she, a police officer by profession, has dominated Africa since 2019, winning the African championship back-to-back and recently securing double gold at the 2023 African Games.

As the Ghanaian national anthem played, Minta stood proudly on the podium, her gold medal draped around her neck. Tears of joy streaming down her face, she hugged her teammates, basking in the adoration of the crowd.

“This is a dream come true!” Minta exclaimed in a post-match interview. “I’m so grateful to my President Mr. Charles Osei Asibey, family, coaches, Ghana Police Service, and the Ghana Armwrestling Federation for their unwavering support. This gold medal is not just for me, but for my country and the entire African armwrestling community!”

Minta’s historic win marks Ghana’s first-ever World Armwrestling Championship gold medal, sending shockwaves of excitement throughout the sporting world.

Grace Minta and the team return home on Sunday as national heroes, inspiring a new generation of arm wrestlers to follow in her footsteps.