Executive Mayor Cllr Babalwa Lobishe has welcomed the announcement that the South African Beach Wrestling Championships will be hosted at The Willows Resort on 28–29 March 2026.
This historic event, only the second of its kind in the country, is expected to attract 250–300 wrestlers, including possible international participation, and marks the return of a national wrestling championship to Gqeberha for the first time since the late 1970s.
The championships are set to boost sport, tourism and youth development, while giving local athletes the advantage of competing on home ground. Nelson Mandela Bay looks forward to welcoming wrestlers and visitors for an exciting and memorable event.
The South African Beach Wrestling Championships are organized by the South African Wrestling Federation (SAWF), with the first-ever national event held in Richards Bay, KZN, in March 2025, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the country. Team South Africa also achieved strong results at the African Beach Wrestling Championships in Casablanca, Morocco, in September 2025, with U15 and U20 teams securing podium finishes, showcasing growing talent in the discipline.
The inaugural SAWF National Beach Wrestling Championship took place on March 22, 2025, at Alcant Beach in Richards Bay, KZN, introducing many to the sport.
South Africa sent a strong contingent to the African Beach Wrestling Championships in Casablanca, Morocco (September 4-5, 2025).
The 2025 Morocco results:
- Michael Oosthuizen – U15 65kg Gold
- Kadin Botha – U15 75kg Bronze
- Lashay Brewis – U15 55kg Bronze
- Rihan Brits – U17 90kg Bronze
- Dune Van Zyl – U17 75kg Silver
- Nathan Scholtz – U20 70kg Bronze
- Luvaan Louw – U20 70kg Silver
- Ivan Louw – U20 80kg Bronze
- Ruan Brits – U20 90kg+ Silver
