The Gambia wrestling team, comprising five wrestlers and three officials, returned home on Monday with flying colours from the 8th African Traditional wrestling championship.

The Gambia joined seven other countries namely Senegal, Nigeria, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, Niger and Benin, to participate in the championship held from June 26th to 30th, 2007.

Speaking to Pointsport last Tuesday, the president of the Gambia Wrestling Association, Abdul Shyllon said that the wrestlers that represented the nation in the championship in Dakar, Senegal were: Mamadi Badgie (65kgs), Yorro Jatta (75kgs), Yorro Badgie (85kgs), Omar Ndow alias Boy Bambara (100kgs) and Modou Colley (Above 100kgs).

Mr. Shyllon pointed out that The Gambia won two medals: one Silver and one Bronze, finishing fourth on the table whilst the host, Senegal, clinched the title.

He thanked the Gambia National Olympic Committee (GNOC) for sponsoring their trip to the championship.

Mr. Shyllon seized the opportunity to thank the Chief of Defense Staff, Brigadier General Lang Tombong Tamba, for giving them the moral support and also allowing them to take some wrestlers from the Armed Forces.

"The next championship is scheduled to take place in Benin in June 2008," Mr. Shyllon concluded.