Africa-Press – Gambia. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced that The Gambia has been officially selected to host the 14th edition of the ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC) in 2026. The announcement was made on the ministry’s official Facebook page on November 17, 2025.
According to the ministry, the decision followed an inspection mission by the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC) in October, during which a technical team evaluated proposed sporting venues, accommodation, transport logistics, and security arrangements in Banjul.
“After a thorough evaluation of wrestling arenas, accommodation facilities, transport logistics, organizational capacity, and security arrangements, ECOWAS has expressed full confidence in The Gambia’s readiness and strong commitment to staging one of the region’s most anticipated traditional sporting events,” the ministry stated.
Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie, described the announcement as a proud milestone for The Gambia, highlighting the country’s growing reputation as a hub for sports in West Africa. He emphasized that hosting TOLAC 2026 will enhance sports tourism, promote traditional wrestling, and create opportunities for the nation’s youth.
The ministry confirmed that it will collaborate closely with the Gambia Wrestling Federation, national stakeholders, and ECOWAS to ensure smooth preparations and a successful tournament.
“The Government has already begun coordinating the next steps, with two provisional dates for early 2026 to be communicated to ECOWAS in the coming weeks,” it added.
The ministry further noted that securing the tournament underscores The Gambia’s commitment to sports development, regional cooperation, and providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talents on home soil. Additional updates on TOLAC 2026 will be shared with the public in due course.
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