Sport in Burundi
Like a lot of African countries, Burindi is landlocked and is bordered by Rwanda, Tanzania and Congo. It has been colonized by a number of countries like Germany and Belgium and is also one of the poorest countries in the world. But what they lack in resources, they more than make up in enthusiasm in sports.
Traditionally, play Horo which is a type of ball game for girls and the men play free-style wrestling. But they have taken a liking to soccer and they play soccer pretty much anywhere. Any kind of ball and home-made goal markers will do and they play pretty much anywhere, parking lots, street, any open flat surface will do. Sports are a great way to bring people together in this country and Burundi has competed in a number of African Cup of Nations championship matches.
Burundians also are great at athletics, track and field to be specific. And it is through track and field where they took home their very first and only Olympic medal. Vénuste Niyongabo took the gold in the 5,000 meter race at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games. The 1996 Olympic Games was the firs time Burundi joined the Games and to date, the gold that Vénuste Niyongabo took home is the only Olympic medal that Burundi has.
Below are details of sports, sporting events and sports people related to Burundi. Is there something missing? If you know of something that should be listed here, please let us know.
Popular sports of Burundi
- Football (Soccer), Basketball, Track and field, Judo, Rugby
Traditional and Regional Sports
- Horo
- Freestyle wrestling
Burundi Sporting Success
- The first (and only) Olympic medalist, Vénuste Niyongabo took the gold in the 5,000 meter race at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games.
Great athletes from Burundi
- Vénuste Niyongabo (track and field)
- Aloÿs Nizigama - 5000 and 10,000m runner
- Charles Nkazamyampi - middle distance runner.
Burundi Sports trivia
Burundi at major events
Past sporting events hosted in Burundi
Upcoming sporting events in Burundi
Annual sporting events held in Burundi
Sporting Facilities in Burundi
Related Pages
Any comments, suggestions, or corrections? Please let us know.
Current Events