Kaya:Sayouba Kiema from the Kouls region has been named the national checkers champion, securing a gold medal, a trophy, and a prize of one million FCFA. This announcement was made on the sidelines of the National Day of Patriotic Commitment and Citizen Participation (JEPPC) event in Kaya.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Kiema's victory grants him entry to the African Draughts Championship in Ethiopia, where he will represent Burkina Faso. His achievement, along with other regional sports successes, was presented to Bernadette Adenyo/Serm, the acting governor of Kouls.

Reports by Tganaba Willy, provincial director of Sports, Youth and Employment of Sandbondtenga, highlighted that the region also earned four medals at the National Youth Sports Games in Bobo-Dioulasso. These included two silver medals in women's cycling and men's athletics, and two bronze medals in volleyball and wrestling.

In addition, Oudraogo Asamadi, a 15-year-old cyclist, received recognition for securing fifth place in his category at the national cycling championship in Ouagadougou. Internationally, Master Taryam Oudraogo was honored as the top African referee master in karate-do at the African championship in Algeria.

Acting Governor Bernadette Adenyo/Serm commended the athletes' accomplishments, attributing them to the region's resilience and fighting spirit. She urged the sports community to maintain their efforts to enhance the reputation of Kouls and Burkina Faso.