** Kikwit: The Kwilu Catch League calls for the creation of a ring to support the development of the discipline **
On June 1, 2025, in Kikwit, in the province of Kwilu in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the local wrestling league expressed urgent needs for the development of this popular sport, often perceived as a source of entertainment but also as a vector of identity in the region. The president of the Provincial League of Catch, Mulele, appealed to authorities and people of good will to endow the region with a wrestling ring. This demand echoes a broader feeling concerning the support and infrastructure necessary for sports in all its forms.
** The sporting context in the province of Kwilu **
The DRC has a rich tradition in various sports, but wrestling is distinguished by its growing popularity, particularly in the province of Kwilu. Mulele underlines that despite an honorable performance – the Kwilu occupying third place in the national classification of the wrestling leagues, after those of Katanga and Kinshasa – the lack of infrastructure, in particular a ring, remains a major obstacle. This cry of support poses essential questions on the valuation of local sports and the commitment of the authorities to their development.
The holding of several friendly fights at the June 30 stadium, as part of an awareness tour, illustrates a positive dynamic. It testifies to a concern for public awareness and education on wrestling, but the visit of athletes outside of Kikwit, opening towards other localities such as IIOFA, also reveals a desire to widen access to this discipline.
** A question of resources and priorities **
Mulele’s advocacy raises the crucial question of resources allocated to the sports sector in the province and at the national level. With often insufficient infrastructure in several areas, how are priorities determined? The economic challenges that the DRC faces can explain the lack of investment in sports equipment, but that should not obscure the importance of support for youth and local culture.
It is essential to question the place given to sport in political agendas. Support for initiatives like that of the Catch League could not only make it possible to develop wrestling, but also to promote values such as discipline, solidarity and teamwork among young people. This advocacy for a ring could symbolize a broader commitment to youth and collective well-being, providing a safe space for sports.
** Social and community issues **
Beyond sports considerations, the call to a ring raises social issues. Catch, much more than a simple competition, constitutes a gathering space which can strengthen social fabric and encourage positive interactions within communities. In a country where socio-economic challenges are omnipresent, sports activities can play an essential role by offering young people constructive alternatives to the challenges of daily life.
The reflection on the ring and the promotion of the wrestling also invites us to consider other sports disciplines which, too, deserve attention and support. What mechanisms could be put in place to ensure harmonious and sustainable development of sports activities, while respecting cultural specificities and local aspirations?
** Conclusion: towards a collective awareness **
The advocacy of the Kwilu Catch League represents more than a material demand: it is a real invitation to a collective awareness of the role of sport in community and national development. Echoing that the boy in a country can dream through his efforts, the development of a wrestling infrastructure is only a first step towards this. This could revitalize the sports environment and offer youth new prospects for fulfillment.
At a time when the DRC seeks to build a better future for its citizens, in particular its youth, the focus on sport and the infrastructures that support it could constitute a key element in the achievement of this objective. While facing important challenges, commitment to local sport could prove to be a precious asset for social cohesion and development.