World News for Students of English

22-09-2023 15:00

Benin recently hosted the World Petanque Championships, showcasing its passion for the sport.

Terrazini Marcel Bio, who had narrowly missed winning in 2016, aimed to bring home the trophy for his country but secured a silver medal in the Men’s Doubles category. In contrast, Benin’s Mixed Doubles team clinched the top prize.

Teams from 36 countries participated in this year’s championship, drawing international attention and media coverage. Guy Trounnou, the technical director for Benin’s Petanque Federation, believes that petanque is a sport that can bring people from all social backgrounds together without any barriers.

Petanque, a game originating from French beach clubs in the early 20th century, 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.

Despite doubts about Benin’s ability to organize such an event, the tournament was a cultural victory for the nation.

Difficult words: showcase (to show or display), clinch (to hold tightly).

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