Petanque, a Maghrebi passion

A little history of petanque

Although France is the creator of this discipline, the second country to have adopted the game of boule is none other than Morocco, which inaugurated its first federation in 1957. The International Pétanque Federation was created the same year, with six members: France, Belgium, Monaco, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Morocco! As for Algeria, it quickly joined the circuit and even won the world championship in Lausanne, in 1964, for its first participation since its independence.

Between Marseille and Algiers, there is only the Mediterranean

In Algiers, petanque has become a tradition. It is not uncommon for the population to gather in the cooler hours, often after dinner, to share a moment of conviviality (or competitiveness) around a petanque court. Moreover, this sport has not only conquered the oldest but also seduced the younger generations. Oran is one of the petanque capitals. There are many clubs and facilities in the popular districts of the city. The dry sound of “carreau shots” has become a sound that has nothing foreign.

Petanque: rivalry in the Maghreb

Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, there is a real rivalry on the petanque courts. So who is the most successful?

Algeria is very frequently on the podiums of competitions of sport of bowls. In 2022, the national team of rafle was congratulated with ten new medals, including three African titles, during the African championship. Morocco has also distinguished itself in numerous African cups. Twice African champion in precision shooting in 2009 and 2010, champion of the Maghreb in the same year, the Moroccan kingdom has also beaten Algeria (3rd) in winning the African Nations Championship in 2021. Finally, Tunisia also defends itself in the discipline. Mouna Beji, the star of the Tunisian petanque has already won three gold medals, and two silver and bronze at the Mediterranean Games, which are currently held in Oran.