The Vladimir Putin International Sambo Tournament concluded on February 24 in the capital of Burkina Faso.
In the "heaviest" category (up to 98 kg, combat sambo), Burkina Faso's athlete Alira Abdul Malick won the first prize. He was followed by Drissa Traore from Mali. Muhammad Aliev from Russia took the third place.
A total of 27 athletes from Burkina Faso, 9 from Mali, 9 from Niger, and 2 from Russia competed on the tatami.
The organizers named the tournament in honor of the Russian president to draw attention to this sport, which is just beginning to gain popularity in the Sahel countries.