The recent national taekwondo championships for young categories in Burkina Faso saw the Kadiogo league and Guiriko district emerge as top performers. The event, which took place on October 4, 2026, featured several young fighters competing in their respective categories. The championships aimed to evaluate the progress made by different leagues and prepare future champions. The competition was an opportunity for the Burkinabé Karate-Do Federation to assess the talent and skills of young taekwondo athletes.
In the minimes category, Bèsalia Ouattara won the final in the under-30 kg category, defeating Abdoul Madjid Séré 2-0. Alia Bonkoungou from the Kadiogo league claimed the gold medal in the under-43 kg category, beating Assita Doumbia 2-0. Ouattara Nacira Neyla Meymouna won a closely contested final in the under-48 kg category, defeating Sylvie Konaté 2-1. Mouniratou Dele from Kadiogo confirmed her status as a top fighter, winning the under-53 kg category by KO in the second round against Adjara Leilatou Koné.
The Kadiogo league and Guiriko district also received recognition for their outstanding performance. Jael Adonis Ouédraogo from Kadiogo won the under-62 kg category, defeating Adama Djamal Hien 2-0. The Guiriko district was awarded the best team balance in the minimes category, while Kadiogo received the same award in the cadettes category. Several individuals were also recognized for their achievements, including Souley Akindi Mouthairou, Ghislain Metefara, Brahima Ouattara, and Me Tchandama Coulidiaty, who were named best coaches and referees.
Aichata Sidibé and Ange Tapsoba from Guiriko were named best minimes fighter and fighter, respectively. Dele Mouniratou and Jonathan Kaboré from Kadiogo were awarded best cadet fighter and fighter. Nassira Leila Ouattara, one of the champions, spoke about her experience, revealing that she had faced technical difficulties and stress during her fight but managed to overcome them and win.
Nassira Leila Ouattara attributed her success to her passion for karate and her dedication to training. She mentioned that she had followed a specific diet to compete in her category. For her, karate is a passion that brings her joy and satisfaction. The young athlete expressed her desire to continue improving and competing at higher levels.
The Burkinabé Karate-Do Federation considers this first edition of the national championships for young categories a significant step towards the future of the sport. Federation President William Ouédraogo emphasized that the event was a success, with a high level of competition and enthusiasm from the young athletes. The federation aims to provide opportunities for the best young fighters to progress quickly to higher categories.
The federation plans to create a pathway for young champions to join the senior team, with the goal of integrating the best juniors and cadets into the senior team by 2027. President Ouédraogo highlighted the challenges that lie ahead, including the need for the national team to compete at a higher level, having secured a third place at the African championships. The federation is now preparing for the senior and junior championships, which will feature tougher competition and a higher level of performance.
Key points
- Kadiogo and Guiriko districts excel in the national taekwondo championships for young categories.
- The Burkinabé Karate-Do Federation aims to provide opportunities for young champions to progress quickly to higher categories.
- The federation plans to integrate the best juniors and cadets into the senior team by 2027.
