Traditional
wrestling

Traditional wrestling  National tournament in Zinder

The national sport of Niger: traditional wrestling. The opening of the tournament with music. Preparation before the final. The medicin man helps to prepare the local champion. Greeting the opponent, referees are ready for the fight. The medicin men create a good atmosphere. Sound out of the opponent. The first attack and clutch. The referees watch carefully to assure a fair and clean fight. The opponent is lifted on the shoulders. The loser crawls on all fours to get away. The victor walks away with a smiling face. What did I do wrong? The victor's medicin man is releaved. The victor collects his reward at the Hadjs. Music to honour the victor.

Final of the wrestling games in Zinder, Niger, between Ousseini Kataki (Tahoua region) and Naroua Sanou (Niamey region). Ousseini is the winner of this thrilling fight in 1986. This is the 11th edition of the national games, introduced by the military government of Seïni Kountché in 1975. In the preceding year 1985 the games were cancelled for the first time.