Ouagadougou: The organizing committee of the 3rd edition of "Gold Stallion" has announced a list of 15 athletes nominated for the final stage in the categories of Football, Associated Disciplines, and Burkindi. The winners will be unveiled at a ceremony scheduled for June 14.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Football category finalists include Bertrand Traor© of Ajax Amsterdam (Netherlands), Dango Ouattara of Bournemouth FC (England), Edmond Tabsoba of Bayer Leverkusen (Germany), Issoufou Dayo of RS Berkane (Morocco), and Aziz Ki of Young Boys (Tanzania).

In the Associated Disciplines category, the nominees are Iron Biby (Log lift), Safoura Compaor© (bodybuilding), Isra«l Mano (MMA), Lamoussa Zoungrana (cycling), and Zan Bady (power lifting). The Burkindi category, focusing on the best female athlete and sponsored by the clothing brand Burkindi, features cyclists Awa Bamogo and Lamoussa Zoungrana, bodybuilder Soufoura Compaor©, and footballers Rasmata Sawadogo and Madinatou Rouamba.

General Supervisor Adama Salamb©r© highlighted the introduction of recognition awards as a significant innovation for this edition. These awards, celebrating successful career transitions of former athletes, are sponsored by His Majesty the Mogho Naaba Baongo. This year, the awards will be bestowed upon Seydou Keita of Mali, Moussa Maazou of Niger, and Rahim Ou©draogo of Burkina Faso.

Unlike previous years, this edition will not incorporate voting as part of the jury's selection criteria. Winners will be chosen based on the criteria established by the statistical committee and the jury's presidency. However, Salamb©r© mentioned a vote organized in partnership with Orange Burkina to assess interaction with the Burkinabe sports public. The resulting prize will bear the partner's branding.

Additionally, the Noufou Ou©draogo Prize for Solidarity will be awarded based on the selection of the scientific committee of ‚¬°talon en Or. This prize is sponsored by the National Social Security Fund (CNSS).