The 2018 edition of the Northern Regional Armwrestling Championship, took center stage on Saturday at the Heroes Park at the Babayara Sports Stadium, as debutant Derick Kwaakye emerged the overall champion.

The second edition of the Northen Regional Armwrestling Challenge which is sponsored by K-Balm, Go Energy and Go TV, saw hundreds of participants battling it out for a spot at the upcoming African Championship, which would be hosted in Ghana for the first time.

The finals in heavyweight category saw former champion Ernest Danso battling Kwaakye to retain this year's title but debutant proved too strong for the former, as he ousted him to emerge victor.

This automatically earns him a spot in the national team, the Golden Arms.

In an interview after his victory, Kwaakye expressed his delight for defeating the former champion as he looks forward to represent Ghana at the international stage.

"I did not intend to compete in this year's competition but a friend motivated me to do so and am most grateful to God, for making my outing in this tournament successful.

"The finals against the former Champion was very tough but I was determined to overcome him and am poised for the upcoming African Challenge in a few weeks,” he stated.

Meanwhile, this year's African Championship dubbed Accra 2018 would come off at the DG Hathramani Sports Hall at the Accra Sports Stadium from Thursday, July 26, 2018 to Sunday, July 29, 2018.