Ouagadougou: Burkinabe triple jumper Dr. Hugues Fabrice Zango has donated his world champion jersey, along with other titles from the discipline, to the National Museum in a ceremony held on Monday. The jersey, which Zango wore in August 2023 in Budapest, Hungary, when he became the world triple jump champion, is now part of the national exhibits in Burkina Faso.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Zango expressed his pleasure in contributing to the country's history by donating the jersey. He highlighted that the jersey had been significant in his career, marking victories in world and African competitions. Zango hopes this gesture will inspire younger athletes in Burkina Faso to strive for excellence and bring pride to the nation.

The ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including the Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts and Tourism, Pingdwend© Gilbert Ou©draogo, and the Minister of Sports, Youth and Employment, Annick Pikbougoum. Former Minister of Sports, Roland Somda, was also present. Minister Ou©draogo remarked on the historical and heritage significance of the donation, emphasizing the importance of preserving such symbols of success for future generations.

The National Museum now features a special display case dedicated to showcasing athletes' excellence, with Zango's jersey becoming a symbol of national heritage. The Director General of the National Museum, Sabari Christian Dao, noted that the jersey is a material witness to Burkina Faso's contemporary history, carrying the nation's values and pride. He emphasized the importance of preserving and documenting the jersey according to international museum standards.

Through this donation, high-level sport has been consecrated as part of the national collections, sitting alongside archaeological, ethnographic, and contemporary items that reflect the history of the Burkinab¨ people.