In the excitement of preparations for the 24th edition of the Flag of the Head of State (May 9 to 12), the corridors of governance in Thies vibrate with the energy of the organizers. This is a first under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Senegal Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye, and the excitement is palpable as the final details are ironed out.
At the heart of this event, the Caroline Faye stadium in Mbour is preparing to welcome more than 154 athletes, representing the 14 regions of Senegal. It’s more than just a wrestling competition; it is a national spectacle where each region sends its best fighters to claim glory. This year, something new is coming into the spotlight: the participation of the cedets and cadets categories. A forward gesture towards the future of Senegalese wrestling, where young talents are preparing for the Youth Olympic Games in 2026. All eyes are on these future champions, who carry on their shoulders the hope of a nation . But that’s not all. A touch of daring is coming to spice up the arena this year: women’s clashes in the small category. For the first time in the history of the Flag of the Head of State, young women (cadets) take center stage, ready to show their strength and determination.
An overall budget on the rise
The stakes are raised to the highest level, with rewards that match the passion that drives each wrestler. A total amount of 30 million is at stake, with a share of 10 million reserved for the winner, thus promising fights of unparalleled intensity. This year, the overall budget increased to 89 million, marking an increase compared to the previous edition, which set the threshold at 70 million.
The Thies region acclaimed
From 1984 until 2009, the flag of the head of state was contested individually during a competition called the Open. In 2011, a new format favoring team competitions was adopted, thus replacing the Open. Between 2011 and 2024, the Thiès region hosted the tournament for the third time, while the Mbour department hosted it for the first time in 2019, an opportunity for the regional team to win the trophy again. For this new edition scheduled for May 9 to 12 and which will see the Mbour department once again host this major event, three competitions will be implemented: the Open, the team competition and the small category, where the cadets and cadets (girls) will participate.
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