Bobo-dioulasso: The Minister of Sports, Youth and Employment, Annick Pikbougoum, gave the starting signal on Monday in Bobo-Dioulasso for the sports competitions of the 22nd edition of the National Culture Week (SNC), where 358 wrestlers and 73 archers will try to win the prize, each in their discipline, AIB observed on site.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the highlight of this year's event will be the competition to succeed the current wrestling champion, Drissa Zon, known as "the Technician of Houet." The finals on April 30 will reveal who will take the coveted title of King of the Arena in traditional wrestling and who will emerge as the new champion in archery, succeeding Toh Kambir©.

Minister Pikbougoum urged participants to embody fair play and respect the rules, emphasizing the spirit of fraternity to ensure healthy competition aligned with national values. The wrestling events will unfold in the Wobi stadium arena, featuring multiple categories including male and female youth competitions.

Among the wrestlers, notable competitors such as runner-up Karim Bazongo and former champion K©vin Moss© promise intense matches. Meanwhile, archery sees a record participation this year, with 73 archers competing across three categories: adult men, adult women, and young boys. Reigning champion Toh Kambir© aims to defend his title during the competitions on April 29 and 30.

Minister Pikbougoum highlighted the SNC as a platform for cultural expression and a means to enhance social cohesion and national unity. This year's SNC also introduces special prizes of 500,000 FCFA each for the winner of the women's traditional wrestling competition in the youth pool and a winner with a disability in the performing arts category.

The SNC Bobo 2026 runs from April 25 to May 2, under the theme: "Culture, youth and transmission of social values."