Ouagadougou: Burkina Faso’s national dodgeball coach, Emile Wendinkognde Ouedraogo, a student from Kongoussi, was received Tuesday evening by Bam High Commissioner Karim Ouedraogo at his office. Accompanied by Bam Provincial Director of Sports Mohaimini Ouedraogo, he came to present the medals won by the national team at the 2025 African Cup of Nations in dodgeball, held in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire, from August 23 to 27.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Emile Wendinkognde Ouedraogo expressed his honor in leading the team to this continental competition where they achieved second place. He described the result as encouraging for a discipline that remains young in Burkina Faso and shared his intention to present the medals to the head of the province while in Kongoussi.

Bam High Commissioner Karim Ouedraogo acknowledged the team’s performance and commended the national coach for his efforts. He remarked on the significance of the team’s achievement as it enhances the image of Burkina Faso internationally, despite the challenging circumstances the country is facing.

Mohaimini Ouedraogo, the provincial director in charge of sports in Bam, highlighted the importance of these victories. He noted that as Burkina Faso asserts itself on the international stage, the presence of the national flag and anthem at such events is a source of pride.

The Bam’s first sports official provided insight into dodgeball, explaining it as a team sport with two teams of six players each, aiming to eliminate opponents by hitting them with a ball while avoiding being hit themselves. The sport is fast-paced and strategic and is growing in popularity across the continent.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Dodgeball brought together 16 African countries in Abidjan, with Burkina Faso finishing second, trailing host country Cote d’Ivoire. Dodgeball, also known as “balle aux prisonniers” in French, involves tagging opponents with a ball to eliminate them, with catching the ball resulting in an elimination of the thrower and potentially reinstating a teammate. The sport, once seen as a schoolyard game, is now played competitively with official championships.