Paris-Dakar Partnership: Senegalese and French wrestling join forces

Senegalese and French wrestling are strengthening their ties. A partnership agreement was signed this Wednesday at the Senegalese embassy in Paris between the two federations, with the aim of developing exchanges, training, and athlete preparation. The ceremony was held in the presence of the Senegalese ambassador to France, officials from both organizations, as well as several athletes, coaches, and technical staff.

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The president of the Senegalese Wrestling Federation (FSL), Bira Sène, welcomed the significance of this agreement, which he believes is much more than a mere administrative formality: “The signature we are placing on this agreement today is far more than a formality. It reflects a shared desire to bring our two institutions closer together and to put our respective experiences at the service of the development of wrestling and our youth. Senegal and France have deep and historical ties. Sport naturally provides a privileged space to strengthen these ties,” he declared.

Exchanges, training and heading towards Dakar 2026

The partnership notably includes the development of exchanges between athletes, coaches, referees, and technical staff from both countries. The training of coaches and staff, the organization of training camps and workshops, preparation for international competitions, and the sharing of experiences in sports organization and development are among the main areas of this cooperation.

For the FSL, the objective is also to strengthen the practice of Olympic wrestling and beach wrestling , while continuing to preserve and promote the exceptional cultural heritage carried by traditional Senegalese wrestling: "Our objective is clear: to make Senegalese wrestling an even more structured, more efficient and more open discipline to the world," stressed Bira Sène.

This agreement comes at a particularly strategic time for national sport, with the approach of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG). For Senegalese officials, this deadline represents a unique opportunity to strengthen national capacities and consolidate exchanges with international partners.

A vibrant, long-term partnership

Beyond the official signing, the two institutions wish to establish a long-term collaboration and prioritize concrete actions. President Bira Sène emphasized the need to make this agreement a "living partnership," based on regular exchanges and joint achievements: "Today, we are not simply signing an agreement. We are opening a new chapter of cooperation, exchange, sharing, and friendship between our two federations," he stated.

For her part, Lize Legrand, president of the French Wrestling Federation, asserts that this cooperation aims to develop training camps, sporting events, education, and skills exchanges, while creating more opportunities for young people. According to her, "wrestling can be a fantastic ambassador" for the Francophonie and contribute to strengthening ties between France and Senegal.

Through this agreement, the two nations intend to strengthen the links between their sporting communities and offer new future prospects to those involved in the discipline.