AES Games: Niger’s Mena team wins African wrestling and archery

Niger’s Mena team emerged victorious in African wrestling and archery at the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) Games on Thursday, according to the Malian Press Agency.

Athletes from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger competed in three events: arm wrestling, African wrestling, and archery.

The arm wrestling competition took place at the Salamatou Maïga Sports Palace, with each country fielding five athletes across six weight categories (-60kg, -72kg, +72kg for men; -58kg, -65kg, +75kg for women).

Mali dominated, securing 8 gold and 2 silver medals, followed by Burkina Faso (2 gold, 8 silver) and Niger (2 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze).

In the women’s division, Mali’s Moussokoura Sissoko swept both gold medals in the -65kg category (left and right arm), while Niger’s Ali Nana Adija claimed double gold in -58kg.

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African wrestling was held at the Mamadou Konaté Stadium, where Niger reaffirmed its dominance with 4 gold and 2 bronze medals, ahead of Burkina Faso (1 gold, 4 silver, 1 bronze) and Mali (1 gold, 2 silver, 3 bronze).

In archery, Niger triumphed again with 111 points, far ahead of Burkina Faso (59) and Mali (45).

The competition continues Friday with athletics, karate, and the football final between Mali and Niger at the Mamadou Konaté Stadium.

Fayçal BADIE