Mali: First AES Games, a week of sport and fraternity in the Sahel
The very first edition of the Sahel States Alliance (AES) Games was officially launched on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Palais des Sports in Hamdallaye (Bamako). Over the course of a week, athletes from Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger will compete in nine disciplines, carried by a spirit of brotherhood and regional integration.
During the opening ceremony, Major General Abdoulaye Maïga, Mali’s Prime Minister, hailed the event as a “historic” initiative and encouraged the athletes to give their best in honor of their countries. For him, regardless of the final results, it is the AES that will emerge stronger from this competition.
On the field, the tone was set right from the opening match of the U-17 football tournament, with Mali defeating Niger 3-0.
Full program:
- Football (U-17): Stade Mamadou Konaté (June 21, 23, 25, and 27 at 4:30 PM)
- Kung-fu: Palais des Sports (June 22–23 at 10:00 AM)
- Taekwondo: Stade Mamadou Konaté (June 24 at 10:00 AM)
- Judo: Palais des Sports (June 25 at 4:00 PM)
- Traditional Wrestling: Stade Mamadou Konaté (June 25 at 10:00 AM)
- Arm Wrestling: Palais des Sports (June 26 at 10:00 AM)
- Archery: Annex Field of Stade du 26-Mars (June 26 at 9:00 AM)
- Karate: Palais des Sports (June 27 at 9:00 AM)
- Athletics: Stade du 26-Mars (June 27 at 4:00 PM)
These Games, bringing together Sahelian youth in a festive and friendly atmosphere, promise to be both a sporting success and a powerful symbol of unity between the three nations.
