Ouagadougou: The first edition of the National Razball Championship is set to launch, marking a significant milestone for the sport originated in Burkina Faso. In preparation for the event, a delegation from the Association for the Promotion and Implementation of Razball, led by President Zakaria Bandaogo, met with the Secretary General of the Ministry of Sports, Ms. Colette Ouedraogo, and other officials to discuss plans for the championship.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting focused on presenting Razball and detailing the blueprint for the upcoming national competition. The championship, slated for the coming months, aims to introduce the sport across all provinces in Burkina Faso, with aspirations for national and international growth.
The Secretary General praised the organizers for their initiative and encouraged ongoing efforts to enhance the sport's promotion and visibility. She also provided guidance on organizing the event effectively, reiterating the ministry's support for innovative sports developments.
This initiative is in line with the Burkinabe authorities' goal of fostering national innovations. The organizers expressed satisfaction with the support received and reaffirmed their dedication to establishing Razball as a recognized and accessible sport throughout the country.
Razball was created in March 2021 and gained official recognition with Decree No. 2024-1789, which classifies roles such as coach, referee, and player as professions, highlighting the sport's potential for job creation. Razball is a team sport played with the feet, involving two or three players per team on a 30 by 15 meters court with a net. Points, or "razi," are scored by passing the ball along the ground past the opponent's razi line, with penalties for faults such as touching the net or shooting over it.
The sport incorporates terms from national languages, adding to its unique identity, and is overseen by three referees. The upcoming championship represents a pivotal moment for Razball's future in Burkina Faso and beyond.