Former wrestling champion Yakhya Diop, known as Yekini, publicly criticized the Senegalese Ministry of Youth and Sports during the third edition of the Lutte TV Awards. The event, held on Saturday, September 19, at the Hotel Noom in Dakar, was organized by Ibrahima Faye to promote Senegalese wrestling.
Yekini expressed frustration over the absence of any ministry representatives at the ceremony. He argued that the ministry’s failure to attend or send a delegate reflects a lack of support for a discipline that holds significant cultural and sporting importance in Senegal. Addressing Minister Djireye Clotilde Coly directly, Yekini stated that she has not attended any wrestling events since taking office, a situation he described as difficult to understand.
The former champion emphasized that organizers of wrestling events deserve official recognition and encouragement from sports authorities. He urged the minister to pay greater attention to the sport, noting that such events involve the youth and fall under the ministry’s mandate.
The ceremony featured several prominent figures from the sport, including Tyson and Bombardier. During the event, awards were presented to recognize achievements in the field. The trophy for the best wrestler with strikes, named in honor of Yekini, was awarded to Sa Thies. Other honorees included Ordinateur, who was recognized in the category of wrestling without strikes, and Petit Lo, who received the award for best prospect.
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