Sport in Burkina Faso

Sport in Burkina Faso is widespread and includes football (soccer), basketball, cycling, Rugby union, handball, tennis, athletics, boxing and martial arts.[1][2]

Football

Football is very popular in Burkina Faso, played both professionally, and informally in towns and villages across the country.[1] The national team is nicknamed "Les Etalons" ("the Stallions") in reference to the legendary horse of Princess Yennenga.[1] In 1998, Burkina Faso hosted the African Cup of Nations for which the Omnisport Stadium in Bobo-Dioulasso was built.[1][3]

Rugby union

Cycling

Cycling is widespread both as a sport and as a cheap means of transport.[1] The Tour du Faso, approved by the Fédération internationale de cyclisme, is a cycling event held annually in November.[1] The stage race takes place at temperatures up to 40°C.[1] It has been part of the UCI Africa Tour since 2005.

Olympic Games

Burkina Faso has sent athletes to every Summer Olympic Games held since 1988. Under its previous name of Upper Volta, the country also competed in 1972. Despite appearing in six different Olympics, Burkina Faso has never won an Olympic medal. No athletes from Burkina Faso have competed in any Winter Olympic Games.

References

Notes

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Marchais, p.102
  2. ↑ Oxfam
  3. ↑ Gleeson

Sources