Sahel States Forge Unity Through Sambo Competition

Ouagadougou: In a unique blend of cultural exchange and athletic competition, the Burkinabè Sambo sports association, in collaboration with the African Initiative association, successfully hosted a Sambo competition in Ouagadougou on Saturday, aimed at fostering stronger ties among the people of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger.

According to Burkina Information Agency, President of the African Initiative Association, the event marked a significant step towards unity through the medium of sport. “Sport is a key area of our association. We want to make people known through sport, culture, education, and science,” Ayo remarked during the inaugural ‘Vladimir Poutine’ international Sambo tournament, highlighting the role of sports in bridging communities.

The tournament attracted a total of 47 athletes from the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), including 27 from Burkina Faso, 9 from Mali, 9 from Niger, and an additional participation of 2 athletes from Russia, showcasing the global appeal and inclusivity of the event. The President of the African Initiative expressed satisfaction with the turnout and the level of competition, noting the enthusiastic support from the spectators.

Sambo, a martial art and combat sport that integrates elements of wrestling, judo, karate, boxing, and various traditional wrestling styles, served as the platform for this intercultural exchange. Competitors battled it out across multiple weight categories, including -58 kg, -64 kg, -71 kg, and under 98 kg, demonstrating the sport’s diverse appeal.

Dapla Palenfo, President of the Burkinabè Sambo sports association, underscored the significance of the tournament’s name and its broader objective. “We added the name of the Russian president with the aim of bringing the two peoples together,” Palenfo explained, emphasizing the role of sports in fostering peace, understanding, and cohesion among the Sahel states.

The event concluded with Niger clinching the top spot in the overall rankings, followed by Burkina Faso and Mali. In a notable victory, Burkinabè athlete Ilara Abdoul Malick triumphed in the under 98 kg category. The competition not only celebrated athletic prowess but also rewarded participants with medals, certificates, and monetary prizes.

Stakeholders expressed hopes for the association’s evolution into a federation in the near future, reflecting the growing popularity and recognition of Sambo in the region. Since its introduction to Burkina Faso in September 2021, the sport has seen a steady increase in practitioners, with the Burkinabè Sambo Sports Association (ASBS) reporting around 200 Sambo athletes and the establishment of 10 formal clubs across the country. This event represents a significant milestone in promoting Sambo as a unifying sport in the Sahel region, fostering camaraderie and cultural exchange among its participants.