• About
  • Advertise
  • Contact
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
  • Login
No Result
View All Result
NEWSLETTER
The NY Journals
  • Home
  • Business
  • Technology
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Trending
  • Home
  • Business
  • Technology
  • Entertainment
  • Sports
  • Lifestyle
  • Health
  • Politics
  • Trending
No Result
View All Result
The NY Journals
No Result
View All Result
Home Politics

Niger Celebrates Unity In The Wrestling Arena

by Sarkiya Ranen
in Politics
Niger Celebrates Unity In The Wrestling Arena
0
SHARES
0
VIEWS
Share on FacebookShare on Twitter


The winner falls to his knees, arms raised triumphantly. After just eight minutes, his opponent’s knee and elbow have touched the sand, handing “Issaka Issaka” an historic win in Niger’s king of sports.

The annual wrestling tournament in the northern city of Agadez enthrals the vast West African nation.

It’s more than just a sporting event.

The prime minister is joined by his counterparts from fellow military-led neighbours Mali and Burkina Faso to watch the competition.

Now in its 44th year, the National Saber event takes place this time under the banner “safeguarding the homeland”.

It comes at the close of a turbulent year for Niger which saw military officers seize power on July 26.

A few days later, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) threatened an armed intervention to restore democratically elected president Mohamed Bazoum.

The regional bloc also imposed tough sanctions against Niger, which has one of the world’s poorest populations despite having major resources.

But for 10 days, those troubles are forgotten as all eyes are on the skill and manoeuvres of the wrestlers.

“It’s true we’re facing a difficult economic situation but the Nigerien people are resilient,” regional councillor Alhassane Youssoufa, who is among the spectators, said.

Around the giant screen showing the matches, on posters and billboards, the portraits of the leaders of Niger, Burkina and Mali are an indicator of a defence pact struck in September.

Arenas are decked out in the colours of the three Sahel states, which are all fighting a jihadist insurgency that erupted in northern Mali in 2012.

Warm messages of support for Niger’s ruling National Council for the Safeguard of the Homeland (CNSP) and its leader General Abdourahamane Tiani play constantly over the speakers.

“Everyone is tuned in to the wrestling, in offices, taxis,” said sports journalist Issoufou Kodo, who is covering the event live for national radio and in Hausa, one of Niger’s national languages.

“It’s the perfect time to run all possible communications,” he added.

With millions of viewers, it’s also a boon for sponsors.

Businesses and patrons stump up the prizes worth tens of millions of CFA francs (up to $16,500) which are also bestowed for best dance, costume and even best ability to sing one’s own praises.

The ECOWAS prize this year is now known as the Alliance of Sahel States prize, the announcement says.

“Street vendors, traders, everyone benefits,” Lawel Hamet, a representative of the regional energy company, which is among the sponsors, said.

Issaka Issaka — whose real name is Kadri Abdou — has won his third consecutive title at the Saber and the sixth of his career.

His would-be opponent Aibo Hassan, who was ruled out of the tournament by injury, is propped up on crutches watching.

In a sport where fair play and solidarity are de rigueur, when Issaka Issaka won the final, he crossed over and hugged him out of respect.

“Traditional wrestling… is something we inherited from our ancestors, so it’s normal for people to feel attached to this traditional sport, which unites Nigeriens,” Hassan said.

“Thanks to tournaments, we all know each other. We build strong relationships. We are one family,” he enthused.

“It’s the cement of unity.”

Social cohesion is one of the watchwords at the event in Agadez, capital of a region shaken by several Tuareg rebellions in the 1990s and 2000s, and known for backing the former elected government.

“Djerma, Hausa, Tuaregs — this wrestling brings us together. It’s a source of pride for me to come here,” artist and actor Omar Mahamane, who has come from the capital Niamey, said.

To the beat of traditional sogolo music, wrestlers from all teams perform dances together in a cultural demonstration that finds particular favour with spectators.

“What I love about wrestling is the musicians, the tradition, the sogolo. Everyone loves to see their culture,” spectator Mohamed Lamine said.

Once practised by villagers to mark the end of the harvest, traditional wrestling became a professional sport in the 1970s under the military regime of Seyni Kountche.

He wanted to promote a “typically Nigerien” sport that “has nothing to do with the West”, said the sports journalist Kodo.

Since then, “wrestling has become so popular that no regime has ever allowed itself to neglect it”.



Source link

Tags: ArenaCelebratesNigerUnitywrestling
Sarkiya Ranen

Sarkiya Ranen

I am an editor for Ny Journals, focusing on business and entrepreneurship. I love uncovering emerging trends and crafting stories that inspire and inform readers about innovative ventures and industry insights.

Next Post
Video: Roads Split Open, Swallow Cars As Massive Quake Hits Japan

Video: Roads Split Open, Swallow Cars As Massive Quake Hits Japan

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recommended

Arsenal hero loved Chelsea growing up but reveals how dad got him to sign for Gunners

Arsenal hero loved Chelsea growing up but reveals how dad got him to sign for Gunners

1 year ago
Video: How Rescue Teams Reached Child Who Fell In 16-Feet Deep Borewell

Video: How Rescue Teams Reached Child Who Fell In 16-Feet Deep Borewell

1 year ago

Popular News

    Connect with us

    The NY Journals pride themselves on assembling a proficient and dedicated team comprising seasoned journalists and editors. This collective commitment drives us to provide our esteemed readership with nothing short of the most comprehensive, accurate, and captivating news coverage available.

    Transcending the bounds of New York City to encompass a broader scope, we ensure that our audience remains well-informed and engaged with the latest developments, both locally and beyond.

    NEWS

    • Business
    • Technology
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • Politics
    • Real Estate
    Instagram Youtube

    © 2025 The New York Journals. All Rights Reserved.

    • About Us
    • Advertise
    • Contact Us
    No Result
    View All Result
    • Home
    • Business
    • Technology
    • Entertainment
    • Sports
    • Lifestyle
    • Health
    • Politics
    • Trending

    Copyright © 2023 The Nyjournals

    Welcome Back!

    Login to your account below

    Forgotten Password?

    Retrieve your password

    Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

    Log In