General d’Armée Abdourahamane Tiani, the President of the Republic and Head of State, received a delegation of Nigerien athletes and experts on Friday, July 17, 2026, at the Palais de la Présidence in Niamey. The high-level audiences, held in the presence of members of the Conseil National pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie (CNSP), showed the government's keen interest in the nation's athletic achievements and the future direction of its traditional sports. The discussions focused broadly on the performance of the nation's sports sector, noting both recent successes and strategic reforms. The initial meeting specifically addressed results achieved by various sports federations during the last semester, providing a full overview of their activities and accomplishments.
Athletic Achievements Celebrated
During the last semester, Nigerien athletes demonstrated remarkable prowess on the international stage. Official reports indicate that Niger participated in 17 international competitions. The nation's representatives secured nearly forty medals across these events, showcasing their dedication and skill. Among these, an impressive 15 were gold medals, contributing significantly to Niger's overall athletic success and enhancing its international sporting profile. General d’Armée Abdourahamane Tiani, President of the Republic and Head of State, took the opportunity to reaffirm the state's unwavering commitment to strengthening support for the national sports movement. This commitment shows ongoing efforts to bolster the performance and development of sports within the country, ensuring that athletes receive the necessary resources and encouragement to excel. He emphasized the importance of sustained investment in sports infrastructure, training programs, and athlete welfare to continue this trajectory of success.
Revising Traditional Sport Code
A second significant meeting at the Palais de la Présidence focused on the conclusions presented by the committee responsible for revising the Code of Kokowa. This committee was specifically tasked with overhauling the regulations governing the traditional sport of Kokowa, a revered cultural and athletic practice in Niger. Its establishment followed a direct instruction from General d’Armée Abdourahamane Tiani, the Head of State, indicating the high priority placed on this traditional sport. The presidential directive was issued after the conclusion of the 46th edition of the National Sabre of Tahoua in 2025, an event that likely brought to light areas needing modernization or refinement within the sport's existing framework. The review shows an effort to modernize or refine the rules of Kokowa, aiming to preserve its heritage while adapting it to contemporary standards. The committee’s findings and proposed changes are now under consideration, aiming to shape the future of the sport and ensure its continued relevance and appeal for generations to come. This initiative reflects a broader vision to develop both modern and traditional sports.
Ministerial Briefing and Commitment
M. Sidi Mohamed Almahmoud, the Minister of Youth, Sports and Culture, played a central role in these important discussions. He led the briefings during the meeting at the Palais de la Présidence, presenting the findings and proposals related to the revision of the Kokowa Code. His presentation detailed the committee's extensive work and the rationale behind the recommended changes, providing a clear roadmap for the sport's modernization. The President of the Republic, General d’Armée Abdourahamane Tiani, subsequently acknowledged the outstanding achievements of Nigerien athletes across various disciplines. He described their performances as truly representing the nation on the international stage, noting the pride they bring to the country. President Tiani stated that the athletes were "true ambassadors of Niger" through their sporting endeavors, embodying the spirit and resilience of the nation. These full discussions and presidential remarks show the government's dual focus on both recognizing and celebrating athletic success and proactively modernizing traditional sports within the country, ensuring a vibrant and dynamic sports sector for Niger.