Mouhoun: The Minister of State, Minister of Territorial Administration and Mobility, Emile Zerbo, chaired the closing ceremony of the first edition of the major meeting of traditional sports, organized by the Ministry in charge of Sports, through the National Fund for the Promotion of Sports and Leisure (FNPSL), in collaboration with the National Wrestling and Archery Federations.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event, held from October 9 to 11, 2025, brought together athletes from all regions of Burkina Faso, with participants also arriving from Mali and Niger to compete in traditional wrestling and archery. The event aimed to highlight the importance of sports deeply rooted in African traditions and their significance in preserving cultural identity.
The closing ceremony was attended by the Ministers of Sports and Urban Planning, various sports figures, as well as technical and financial partners. The event celebrated unity, fraternity, and the promotion of African sporting and cultural heritage. Minister Emile Zerbo commended the success of the initiative, attributing it to collaboration among the FNPSL, sports federations, local authorities, and the communities of the Bankui and Sourou regions.
Minister Zerbo emphasized that traditional wrestling and archery are not only sports but also carry values of courage, respect, and cohesion, which are integral to Burkinabe cultural identity. He expressed a desire for the initiative to become an annual, inclusive event that engages more youth and women, thereby strengthening national unity through sport and cultural heritage.
Commander Karim Souabo, Director General of the FNPSL, highlighted the organization’s dedication to preserving and promoting traditional sporting practices. He stressed the role of these sports in fostering social cohesion and passing on sports knowledge to future generations.
Mahamadi Zorome, Director General of the Agricultural Bank of Burkina, echoed these sentiments and reaffirmed his institution’s commitment to supporting traditional sports’ revival. He noted that wrestling and archery are gaining renewed prominence in the national sports scene through this initiative.
The event saw representatives from the Djoro region excelling, with young archer Gningate Kambire, aged 14, winning the youth category, Alexandre Kambou securing victory in the adults’ category, and Frahima Noufe leading in the women’s category. In traditional wrestling, Kevin Moose and Rihanata Diallo triumphed in the men’s and women’s competitions, respectively.
The winners were awarded trophies, motorcycles, cultivators, and checks for one million CFA francs each. The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates recognizing individuals who contributed to the success of the inaugural Grand Meeting of Traditional Sports.