Hoyantan successfully defended his title in Gambia’s wrestling arena after defeating Yaya Jammeh of the Gambia Police Force in a dramatic heavyweight showdown as part of the 60th Independence Eve celebrations in Banjul.

The event attracted a large crowd, including state ministers and senior government officialsto McCarthy Square, where multiple wrestlers competed in a series of bouts.

The highly anticipated match, billed as the main event, saw both competitors entertain fans with traditional wrestling dances before applying traditional medicines, believed to bring victory, in line with African wrestling customs.

After five minutes of intense action, Yaya Jammeh landed a powerful punch to Hoyantan’s head, momentarily raising hopes among his supporters that the match was over.

However, Hoyantan quickly recovered, responding with two powerful punches that sent Jammeh to his knees. Under the rules of wrestling, a wrestler who touches the ground with both hands in such a manner is considered defeated.

The defeat was compounded as Jammeh struggled to regain his footing, visibly dazed from the blows. He sought refuge by leaning on bags of sand, attempting to recover his composure.

By Adama Makasuba