The IX Games of La Francophonie, which will take place from July 28 to August 6, 2023 in Kinshasa, promise to be a major edition for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The Congolese capital is actively mobilizing to ensure the success of this international event. François Kabulo, Minister of Sports and Leisure, recently announced details of Congolese participation.
In different disciplines, the DRC sends competitive athletes to represent their country. Athletics will be particularly well represented, with a team of 71 Congolese athletes involved. Women’s basketball will have 12 Congolese players, while cycling, judo, African wrestling and freestyle wrestling will feature 14, 30 and 30 Congolese athletes respectively. In addition, two participants will represent the DRC in table tennis, and a delegation of 20 athletes will participate in football.
Although the preparation conditions have not been optimal, the DRC aims to surpass its past performances at the Games of La Francophonie. In the previous edition in Côte d’Ivoire, in 2017, the DRC won a gold medal and two bronze medals. Minister Kabulo says he is convinced that the DRC will improve this record and win more medals this year.
It is important to underline that the DRC has refuted the allegations that it was disqualified due to non-payment of the participation fee. Minister Kabulo affirmed that the DRC is in good standing with the International Committee of the Games of La Francophonie and therefore there is no concern in this regard. It is inconceivable for a country which organizes the games not to be able to participate, he stressed during a briefing with the press.
The Games of La Francophonie were awarded to the DRC in July 2019 during the 108th session of the Permanent Council of La Francophonie. Initially scheduled for 2021, they were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. This edition represents a second chance for Kinshasa to show the world its ability to organize a leading international sporting event.
Expectations are high for these IX Games of La Francophonie, both on the side of the Congolese athletes and the organizers. The DRC is preparing to welcome delegations from all over the world and hopes to make an impression with a high-level sports competition. The Games of La Francophonie are a unique opportunity to promote sport, culture and the Francophonie in the region, and the DRC intends to take up the challenge brilliantly