NAIROBI, Oct. 15 (Xinhua) -- Rugby Africa President Abdelaziz Bougja said Monday that the sport will grow double fold after International Olympic Committee (IOC) awarded Senegal the rights to host Youth Olympics in 2022.
Africa has reported the biggest growth and interest in rugby since 2012 and the activities leading up to the Youth Olympics will certainly spur the development and growth of sports facilities in Africa.
In a statement, Bougja said one of the highlights of the 2022 Youth Olympic Games will be rugby sevens teams competing against each other.
"Rugby sevens made its debut at the 2014 Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing and was one of 32 sports at the 2018 Youth Olympic Games in Buenos Aires," said Bougja.
The continental body believes that Senegal winning the hosting rights for the 2022 Youth Olympic Games will represent a better opportunity to showcase rugby sevens in Africa.
"Rugby is the fastest growing sport on the continent. In 2002, only six African nations played rugby. Now there are 38. Out of 105 countries playing rugby competitively in the world, one third is from African," added Bougja.
IOC president Thomas Bach said he believes in Africa dominating the sporting arena in future and wants youth across the continent to be helped to attain their full potential.
"It is time for Africa - the home of many successful and prominent Olympic athletes. Africa is a continent of youth.
That is why we want to take the Youth Olympic Games 2022 to Africa and to Senegal. They have offered a project based on a strong vision for youth and sport. There are many opportunities, and we will endeavor to deliver together, as part of a strong partnership, a visionary, responsible and inspiring Youth Games," said Bach.
Senegal's will host the 2022 Youth Olympic Games in three cities - Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
Senegal's project is tied to the country's general development strategy, notably the national government's "Emerging Senegal'' plan, which envisions major economic and infrastructure improvements.
Bougja says rugby sevens is promoting intra-African travel and more tournaments are being developed in Southern and East Africa in partnership with sponsors and broadcasters, which are contributing to the enhanced popularity of the game.
