Langa: The one-legged traditional hopping sport of West Africa

Across the globe, sports have long served as a means of entertainment, fitness and cultural expression.

While the world is familiar with football, basketball and rugby, other traditional disciplines can tell the story of a people and their heritage.

One such game is langa, a unique and physically demanding sport originating from northern Nigeria. Often referred to as the ‘hopping game’, it is a test of endurance, balance and tactical thinking.

“In Hausa communities, the strongest and bravest were identified through such games,” Khalid Hussein, chairman of the Social Langa Club in Kano state, told BBC Sport Africa.

“It was a way to determine those fit for war or other significant roles in society.”

Langa is played on a flat open field, often with teams consisting of three to six players, and requires intense core strength.

The objective is to race or outmanoeuvre opponents while hopping on one leg. The rules can vary based on the region or specific competition.

Any player who places their second foot on the ground is immediately disqualified.

Langa is played in either a race or a combat challenge, with winners generally decided over the best of five rounds.

In a race, one player from each team, known as the ruwa (point-scorer), attempts to reach a designated area in the opponent’s half. The ruwa wears a headband and is often protected by members of his team during the chase.

In a combat challenge, players attempt to unbalance or knock over their opponents using only their shoulders or elbows while maintaining their one-legged stance.

The match ends when a winner is determined. This could be the last person standing in a combat game or the first to cross the finish line in a race.

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