From January 22 to 25, the first head-to-head World Championships will take place in Nice. Following the Europétanque in July, the Azurean city is establishing itself as the world capital of pétanque.
Another major sporting event in Nice. Starting Thursday and continuing until Sunday evening, the Henri Bernard and Gé Gallaratto boulodromes on the route de Grenoble will host the Men’s and Women’s Head-to-Head Pétanque World Championships. Nearly a year after the success of the Henri Bernard Trophy, Nice maintains its date and rises in rank. Indeed, the city with 5,000 licensed pétanque players is set to become the center of the world for pétanque enthusiasts.
“After the success of the first edition and the quality of the infrastructure, it was logical to designate Nice. With the help of the city, the department, the region, and the partners, Nice will once again demonstrate its ability to bring people together,” explains Claude Azéma, president of the International Federation of Pétanque and Provençal Game (FIPJP).
For nearly four days, hundreds of male and female players from 50 nations and 5 continents will compete to claim the title and the honor of being the Head-to-Head World Champion. Over 60 volunteers will work to make this event a moment of joy, sharing, and, of course, competitive spirit. National television networks will be present, with semi-finals and finals broadcast on France 3 and Sport +, two major partners of pétanque.
“Pétanque and the Provençal game are primarily Mediterranean sports disciplines. It’s a source of pride to host this event, which will be a major world first. Nice is a natural partner of the International Federation,” says Christian Estrosi, mayor of Nice and president of the Nice Côte d’Azur Metropolis.
The draw for the first round, both men’s and women’s, was conducted by Christian Estrosi, who presented the president of the International Federation, Claude Azéma, as well as the President of the Organizing Committee, Stéphane Pintus, with a set of boules engraved with the logo of the city of Nice.
