Regional elimination rounds for the 2026 National Sabre traditional wrestling championship began in Malbaza on 18 October 2026 and will continue through 24 October 2026. These regional elimination rounds for the 2026 National Sabre traditional wrestling championship are taking place in Malbaza from October 18 to October 24, 2026. Alio Issoufou, Administrative Delegate of the Rural Commune of Malbaza, stated, "nous donnons à nos jeunes lutteurs l’occasion de démontrer leur savoir-faire, leur force physique, leur maîtrise technique et leur esprit sportif." He added, "compétition ne doit jamais être une source de division, mais plutôt une occasion de renforcer les liens entre les communautés." Participants from across the region are gathering to compete in these qualifying matches, which serve as a preliminary stage for the upcoming national contest. Malbaza hosts the event as athletes demonstrate their skills in the traditional wrestling discipline.
Tournament Structure and Participation
Ten departments within the Tahoua region participate in these elimination rounds, with each department sending a delegation of 15 wrestlers. Each of the ten departments in the Tahoua region is represented by 15 wrestlers, consisting of 10 starters and 5 reserves. This group structure includes 10 active starters and 5 reserve athletes per department.
Colonel-Major Souleymane Amadou Moussa, Governor of the Tahoua Region, presided over the official opening ceremony on 19 October 2026. The opening ceremony was presided over by the Governor of the Tahoua Region, Colonel-Major Souleymane Amadou Moussa, on October 19, 2026. Addressing the attendees during the event, the Governor described the discipline as "le symbole de notre cohésion sociale, de notre bravoure, de notre résilience et de notre riche patrimoine culturel." He further emphasized the importance of the selection process, noting, "la crédibilité de notre sélection régionale en dépend."
Officials have implemented a new code for traditional wrestling as part of the regulatory framework for the matches. The Nigerien government adopted this set of 44 articles to ensure equity and transparency throughout the competition. The Nigerien government has adopted a new code for traditional wrestling consisting of 44 articles to ensure equity and transparency. These regulations are designed to standardize the conduct of the matches across the various departments represented in Malbaza. The adoption of these 44 articles marks a formal step in the organization of the 2026 National Sabre traditional wrestling championship.
Athletes successful in the Malbaza qualifying rounds will advance to the national championship, which is scheduled to take place in Zinder in December 2026. The national championship is scheduled to be held in Zinder in December 2026. As the matches continue through 24 October 2026, the focus remains on selecting the strongest representatives from the Tahoua region to compete at the national level. The regional elimination rounds serve as the primary selection mechanism for this upcoming event.