Burkina Faso's dodgeball ambition: Aminata Paré discusses national team's rapid rise and global aspirations

Aminata Paré, a promoter of the sport and president of the provisional national committee, highlighted the discipline's journey, challenges, and development prospects. She explained that dodgeball, an indigenous sport locally known as "la police ou la passe," involves two teams of six players on an 18m by 9m court, aiming to eliminate opponents by hitting them with projectiles. If a player catches a thrown ball, the thrower is out, and a teammate from the "prison" re-enters the game.

Paré initiated the process to introduce dodgeball in 2023, securing international accreditation before launching it in Burkina Faso in 2024, starting in Bobo-Dioulasso and then Ouagadougou. The official launch, enabling its inclusion in the Ministry's calendar, took place on April 6, 2025. The rapid progress, including becoming vice-champion of Africa in 2025, is attributed to many players' childhood familiarity with the game and the determination of the athletes.

The national team's qualification for the World Cup is a source of national pride and a motivation to redouble efforts. Paré emphasized the ambition to continue raising Burkina Faso's flag beyond its borders and seeks government support for the team's World Cup participation. In July 2026, the provisional national dodgeball committ