Ministry of Youth & Sports is pleased to announce that The Gambia has officially been selected to host the 14th Edition of the ECOWAS African Wrestling Tournament (TOLAC) in 2026. The confirmation follows a successful inspection mission by the ECOWAS Youth and Sports Development Centre (EYSDC) in October, during which a technical team assessed proposed sporting and hospitality facilities 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.
Speaking on the development, the Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Bakary Y. Badjie , described the announcement as “a proud moment for The Gambia and a testament to the country’s growing reputation as a sports hub in West Africa.” He further noted that hosting TOLAC 2026 will boost sports tourism, promote traditional wrestling, and create opportunities for young people.
The Ministry of Youth and Sports will work closely with the Gambia Wrestling Federation, relevant 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.
This achievement reflects The Gambia’s dedication to advancing sports development, strengthening regional cooperation, and providing a platform for athletes to showcase their talents on home soil.
Further updates on the tournament schedule and preparations will be shared with the public in due course.
