The Minister of Youth and Sports, Abdoul Kassim Ibrahim Fomba, recently announced that Ségou has been chosen to host the next Biennale Sportive. An official ceremony to hand over the flag will be organized soon. During a press conference, Fomba highlighted the recent achievements of Malian athletes, including the national women's basketball team's historic victory over Spain in the World Cup. He praised the team's efforts and the progress made in the sports sector.
Fomba also commended the success of the 2026 Bamako Biennale Sportive and the growing popularity of the Super Coupe Assimi Goïta. He noted the importance of regional integration, citing the Alliance des États du Sahel (AES) and the upcoming 3rd edition of the AES Games in Niger. The Minister emphasized the government's commitment to developing sports infrastructure across the country, including the renovation of stadiums and arenas.
The construction of the Stade Modibo Keïta in Bamako is underway, with 70 technicians working on the project. Although the initial completion date has been slightly delayed due to additional architectural features, the Minister expressed confidence in the project's progress. The Arène nationale (Arena) is also nearing completion, with work progressing at a satisfactory pace.
In addition to infrastructure development, Fomba highlighted the importance of athlete health and well-being. The Centre national de médecine du sport has been operationalized to provide medical coverage for national and international competitions. The center accompanies Malian delegations during their travels abroad to ensure the physical well-being of athletes.
During the press conference, Fomba addressed concerns about the temporary occupation of a 1.5-hectare plot of land at the Champ hippique by displaced merchants from the Médine market. He reassured that this measure would not impact horse racing activities. The Minister also discussed traffic congestion around the Stade Modibo Keïta, stating that measures have been taken to clear the area and improve traffic flow.
Fomba concluded the press conference by reaffirming the government's priorities for the coming months, including strengthening federal governance, digitalizing athlete management, and completing sports infrastructure projects nationwide. The Minister's announcement about Ségou hosting the next Biennale Sportive has generated excitement and anticipation among sports enthusiasts in Mali.
Key points
- Ségou region will host the next Biennale Sportive.
- Mali's sports infrastructure development is underway, with several projects nearing completion.
- The government prioritizes athlete health and well-being through the Centre national de médecine du sport.
