Governor of the Tahoua region, Colonel-Major Souleymane Amadou Moussa, presided over the launch ceremony for a new national wrestling code on 14 October 2026. This campaign serves as a formal prelude to the 47th edition of the National Sabre of traditional wrestling, which is scheduled to be held in Zinder.
During the event, Colonel-Major Souleymane Amadou Moussa described the sport as "qu’elle est notre sport roi, l’expression la plus pure de notre patrimoine culturel immatériel, de notre identité commune et de notre cohésion sociale et constitue un ciment unique qui unit les fils et les filles des huit régions de notre cher pays." Addressing the implementation of the new regulations, the Governor added, "ne vaut que par la qualité de son application." Officials intend for these measures to standardize the practice of wrestling across the nation ahead of the upcoming competition.
New Rules for Wrestling
Technical specifications for the National Sabre of traditional wrestling now include a regulatory framework comprised of 44 articles. Officials drafted these articles to establish clear mandates for the sport’s operations across Niger. The Fenilutte and the Ministère de la Jeunesse, des Sports et de la Culture developed these provisions to apply uniformly to all regional participants.
Primary objectives for this regulatory update focus on improving transparency and equity during matches. The new code dictates specific requirements for combat duration rules, ensuring that bouts adhere to standardized time limits. Additionally, the articles define disciplinary penalties for misconduct, providing a structured approach for referees and organizers to manage infractions. These measures seek to reduce ambiguity during competition and provide a consistent experience for athletes representing their respective regions.
The Conseil national pour la Sauvegarde de la Patrie (CNSP) confirmed that the text of the code is finalized. No further amendments will be made to the 44 articles during the ongoing popularization campaign. Authorities intend for the current version to serve as the definitive standard for the sport throughout the upcoming tournament in Zinder. Adam Soumana noted that the lack of additional changes ensures that all stakeholders possess a stable set of expectations before the National Sabre begins. This finalized document replaces previous informal practices and provides a singular point of reference for all practitioners, officials, and regional representatives involved in the competition.
