Benin showcases petanque passion as world championship host

From leisurely street games to fierce club tournaments, Benin is carving out its place in the sport. This year's championship event saw teams from 36 nations compete for the top prize.

(Changes number of countries participating to 36, not 37, in paragraph 9) By Seraphin Zounyekpe

COTONOU, Benin, Sept 18 - Terrazini Marcel Bio stood inside Benin's new petanque arena, eyes fixed on a small wooden ball and his mind on revenge. Bio narrowly missed gold in the 2016 World Petanque Championships in Madagascar, and was desperate to bring the trophy home to his country in last week's tournament.

He and his partner would ultimately win silver when the tournament concluded on Sunday, beaten by frequent champion France in the Men's Doubles category. Elsewhere in the arena, however, Benin's Mixed Doubles team would edge out their former colonial masters for the top prize.

Originating from French beach clubs in the early 20th century, petanque involves tossing steel balls as close as possible to a smaller wooden ball called a cochonnet, while standing inside a circle with both feet on the ground. "At first, people didn't believe that Benin could organise this world championship. But we did it," Bio said on the tournament's final day. "I'm very grateful for those who made this happen."

While the Men's Doubles title remained elusive, Bio and organisers hailed the event as a cultural victory for Benin. From leisurely street games to fierce club tournaments, Benin is carving out its place in the sport.

This year's championship event saw teams from 36 nations compete for the top prize. The event drew international crowds and media. "I think petanque is the only sport that can favour all social strata and put everyone at ease, that there are no social barriers," said Guy Trounnou, technical director for Benin's petanque federation.

"In every neighbourhood, in every street, you'll see people playing pétanque," he added. "Young people play petanque. Grandpas, 80 years old, play petanque."

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