Wrestling authorities from the United Kingdom and The Gambia have signed a landmark cooperation agreement aimed at strengthening the development of the sport, promoting youth empowerment and deepening cultural exchange between the two countries.

The partnership was sealed through a Memorandum of Understanding between the British Wrestling Association and the Gambia Wrestling Association during a signing ceremony held at the Gambia High Commission in London.

The agreement was signed by Craig Anthony on behalf of the British Wrestling Association and Matarr Saine representing the Gambia Wrestling Association.

The ceremony was witnessed by Fatou Bensouda, The Gambia’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.

Also present at the event was Dr Shaherah Jordan, who handles international relations for the British Wrestling Association and serves on the UWW Legacy and Sustainability Commission.

Officials said the partnership marks the beginning of a new chapter of cooperation designed to strengthen technical capacity in wrestling while also using sport as a platform to promote cultural exchange and social cohesion.

The agreement recognises the strong tradition of Gambian wrestling, locally known as Boreh, alongside the well-established Olympic wrestling systems in the United Kingdom.

Both organisations say the collaboration will help bridge traditional and modern wrestling disciplines.

Under the deal, the two federations will work together on several initiatives including technical and coaching exchanges, athlete development programmes and the sharing of expertise in Olympic wrestling styles, traditional wrestling techniques and the fast-growing discipline of beach wrestling.

The partnership will also focus on grassroots development and fan engagement, allowing both bodies to share experience in community participation, event organisation and the promotion of wrestling at national and international levels.

Youth empowerment forms a central pillar of the agreement, with plans to organise training camps, mentorship programmes and initiatives aimed at widening participation in the sport, including encouraging greater gender inclusion.

The Memorandum of Understanding, signed in London on 6 March 2026, will run for two years, with the option for extension by mutual consent.

They said the agreement is non-binding and does not impose financial obligations on either organisation.

By Adama Makasuba