The IX Games of La Francophonie will be held in Kinshasa from July 28 to August 6, 2023. This competition brings together French-speaking athletes from around the world in various sports disciplines. Kinshasa is doing everything possible to ensure the success of this major event and is ambitious about the results of its athletes.
According to François Kabulo, Minister of Sports and Recreation, the Congolese delegation will be made up of high-level athletes. In athletics, the country will field 71 athletes, while 12 athletes will represent Congo in women’s basketball. Cycling will count on the participation of 14 athletes, judo on 14, African wrestling on 30, freestyle wrestling on 30 and table tennis on 2. Finally, a delegation of 20 athletes will represent the country in the discipline of football.
Despite the difficulties of preparation, Kinshasa aims to win a record number of medals compared to the previous Games of La Francophonie. In the previous edition in Côte d’Ivoire, the country won a gold medal and two bronze medals. Minister Kabulo is confident that Congo can surpass these results and perform better this time around.
Rumors suggesting that the DRC would be disqualified for not having paid the participation fee have been denied by François Kabulo. He affirms that the country is in order with the International Committee of the Games of La Francophonie and that it will participate fully in the event.
The Games of La Francophonie were awarded to the DRC in 2019 and were originally scheduled to take place in 2021, but were postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Kinshasa is therefore ready to welcome French-speaking competitors and offer a high-level sporting spectacle. The Games of La Francophonie are a unique opportunity to promote the cultural and sporting diversity of the Francophonie and to strengthen ties between member countries.
Whether in traditional disciplines such as athletics or basketball, or in more specific sports such as African wrestling, Congo will make every effort to shine and show the full extent of its sporting talent. Congolese supporters can be proud of their athletes and hope to see them win many medals during this international competition.
The IX Games of La Francophonie in Kinshasa therefore promise to be a spectacular event, highlighting the skills and sporting values of French-speaking athletes