The Sino-Burkina Faso Friendship Cup concluded its fifth edition on December 22, 2024, at the Hamadiyya Center, showcasing thrilling badminton matches that captivated fans. In the women’s final, Rachidatou Bilgo triumphed over the seasoned Kadidiatou diallo in a nail-biting three-set match, clinching the title with a final score of 21-18. Meanwhile, Faisal Kafando emerged victorious in the men’s final against Ousmane Ouédraogo, winning decisively in the final set 21-10 after a closely contested match. Both champions were awarded motorcycles sponsored by huawei, highlighting the growing popularity and competitive spirit of badminton in Burkina Faso. The event not only celebrated athletic excellence but also underscored the sport’s promising future in the region.The Badminton Federation of Burkina Faso is set to strengthen its collaboration with the Chinese Embassy, following a successful tournament that attracted nearly 150 participants, including teams from Niger and expatriates from various countries. Boukaré Ouédraogo, the federation’s president, expressed optimism about the growing competitiveness of badminton in Burkina Faso, stating that the event could position the country as a leading badminton hub in the sub-region. The tournament featured exciting matches, with Ousmane Ouédraogo and Fatao Tapsoba clinching the men’s doubles title, while Kadidjatou Diallo and Carine Ouédroago triumphed in the women’s doubles.The federation aims to participate in international competitions to further enhance its medal tally.Burkina Faso’s U-17 football team showcased their talent and determination by clinching the WAFU B U-17 cup of Nations title, defeating Côte d’Ivoire 3-1 in a thrilling final. The victory, marked by two impressive second-half goals, highlights Burkina Faso’s rising prominence in youth football, following their semi-final triumph over hosts Ghana. This win not only secures the championship for Burkina faso but also underscores the nation’s commitment to developing young football talent on the international stage, promising a luminous future for the sport in the country.
Title: The Rise of Badminton and Youth Football in Burkina Faso: An interview with Boukaré Ouédraogo
Time.news Editor: Today, we’re discussing the recently concluded Sino-Burkina Faso Friendship Cup and Burkina Faso’s achievements in youth football, specifically focusing on badminton’s rising popularity. Joining us is Boukaré Ouédraogo, President of the Badminton Federation of Burkina Faso. Thank you for joining us, Boukaré.
Q: the Sino-Burkina faso Friendship cup recently concluded its fifth edition. What were some of the standout moments from this year’s tournament?
Boukaré Ouédraogo: Thank you for having me. This year’s tournament was particularly exciting,with thrilling matches that really showcased the talent we have here. The women’s final was a nail-biter! Rachidatou Bilgo overcame the experienced Kadidiatou Diallo with a close score of 21-18 in the deciding set. On the men’s side, Faisal Kafando’s decisive victory against Ousmane Ouédraogo at 21-10 was remarkable. The energy in the Hamadiyya Center was palpable, and we had nearly 150 participants, including teams from Niger and various expatriates.
Q: With such a great turnout, what do you believe this indicates about the future of badminton in Burkina Faso?
Boukaré Ouédraogo: The turnout and the level of play we witnessed are very encouraging. It’s evident that badminton is gaining traction, and the support from sponsors like Huawei, who provided motorcycles as awards, helps in promoting the sport further. We’re eager to strengthen our collaboration with the Chinese Embassy, enhancing exchanges and learning opportunities which could position Burkina Faso as a leading badminton hub in the sub-region.
Q: Transitioning to football, Burkina Faso’s U-17 team recently won the WAFU B U-17 Cup of Nations. How notable is this achievement for youth sports in the country?
Boukaré Ouédraogo: This victory is monumental for us. Defeating Côte d’Ivoire 3-1 in the finals—and showcasing such a strong performance after beating Ghana in the semi-finals—demonstrates the talent and determination of our young athletes. This win signifies not just just a trophy,but a solid commitment to developing youth sports. It highlights our potential on the international stage and inspires more investment into training and facilities.
Q: What practical steps is the federation taking to capitalize on these recent successes in badminton and football?
Boukaré Ouédraogo: We are focusing on a multi-faceted approach. For badminton, we plan to send our teams to international competitions to gain exposure and experience, which is vital for our growth. Additionally, we are organizing more local tournaments to maintain the competitive spirit. In football, there are plans to enhance our training programs for youth, ensuring that we develop more skilled players who can compete internationally.
Q: As a final thought, what advice would you offer to aspiring athletes in burkina Faso?
Boukaré Ouédraogo: My advice is to remain dedicated and seize every prospect to develop your skills. Whether its badminton or football,persistence is key. Engage with local clubs, participate in competitions, and stay connected with coaches who can guide you. The success we are seeing today is a product of hard work and determination, and with sustained effort, our young athletes can achieve great things.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Boukaré, for sharing your insights on the exciting developments in sports in Burkina Faso. We look forward to seeing the impact of these initiatives in elevating the country’s profile in both badminton and football.