Hamsa Adamou Anarouwa, a Nigerien of great accomplishments, has led a multifaceted life. As a professional accountant, high-level athlete, and 4th Dan black belt in taekwondo, she has demonstrated her prowess in various fields. Born and raised in Niger, Anarouwa's journey has taken her to France, where she has been able to fuse her passion for sports with her commitment to giving back to her community. Her life story, which she shares in her upcoming book, "Combattante au cœur du tatami - Sport, engagement et transmission," offers insights into her journey.
Anarouwa's introduction to taekwondo came in 1995, courtesy of her older brother Moussa, who was the first in their family to practice the sport. Inspired by his example, she began training and quickly rose through the ranks. At 16, she was competing at the senior level, and by 1999, she had won her first international gold medal at the West African Championships in Accra. This achievement marked a significant milestone in her life, not only as a personal triumph but also as a source of inspiration for young girls in Niger.
Throughout her career, Anarouwa has faced and overcome numerous challenges, including stereotypes and underrepresentation of women in sports. Her determination and perseverance, coupled with the support of her family, enabled her to push through these barriers. In 2002, at just 19 years old, she became the first Nigerien to receive an Olympic scholarship in taekwondo, a testament to her hard work and dedication. This recognition not only brought her personal pride but also a sense of responsibility to represent her country.
Anarouwa's commitment to empowering others, particularly young girls and women, led her to establish "TKD UN SPORT POUR TOUS" in 2012. This organization, which she founded in both France and Niger, aims to make taekwondo more accessible to diverse populations. Through this initiative, she seeks to promote the values of respect, solidarity, and integrity that she learned through sports. Additionally, she launched the "Les Étoiles du Sahel" tournament in Niger, providing a platform for young talents to shine and gain visibility.
Anarouwa's book, set to be released on October 1, 2026, is a testament to her journey and her desire to inspire others. "Combattante au cœur du tatami" is not just a story of her achievements but also a narrative of her struggles and the lessons she has learned along the way. Through her writing, she hopes to encourage readers, especially young women and girls, to believe in their potential and forge their own paths. The book is a reflection of her growth, from her early days in Niger to her experiences in France, and her efforts to make a positive impact on her community.
The sportswoman-turned-author emphasizes the significance of sports in education and building confidence among young girls. She believes that participating in sports can be transformative, teaching valuable life skills such as respect, effort, and teamwork. Anarouwa's own experiences have shown her that sports can be a powerful tool for personal growth and empowerment. Her goal is to share this message with a wider audience, inspiring others to find their own paths to self-discovery and fulfillment.
As Anarouwa looks to the future, she remains committed to her various pursuits. She plans to continue developing "TKD UN SPORT POUR TOUS" and to use her platform to promote the values of sports and education. Her message to readers is one of hope and encouragement, urging them to stay true to their values and to work towards their goals with determination and perseverance. With her book, she aims to leave a lasting impact on her community and beyond.
Key points
- Hamsa Adamou Anarouwa's journey is a testament to the power of sports and education in empowering young girls and women.
- Her book, "Combattante au cœur du tatami," offers insights into her life story and her experiences as a Nigerien sportswoman.
- Anarouwa's commitment to giving back to her community is evident in her work with "TKD UN SPORT POUR TOUS" and her efforts to promote sports and education among young girls and women.
