The world of Basque pelota will meet in Biarritz from October 19 to 23, for the next world championships. Championships played on three different playing areas: on the trinquet, on the left wall 30 meters, and on the left wall 36 meters, the jai-alai. Biarritz is the central city of this meeting, but to be able to concentrate a maximum of games in five days, matches will also be played in Bayonne, Anglet, Hasparren, and even part of jai-alai in Pau.
A greater presence of women
– Bixente-Vrignon
With bare hands, pala or chistera, more than fifteen titles will be awarded, with an increased presence of women: this year for the first time there will be a women’s cesta punta event, even though this sport has just died out in the United States. In addition, after an eclipse in 2018, the xare will return to the world championships in Biarritz. 450 players from fifteen different countries are expected in Biarritz, even if the global pandemic added to the economic difficulties of the South American selections still raise some doubts.
– Bixente-Vrignon
Renewal of instances
The world championship is also an opportunity to bring together the international federation, currently chaired by Xavier Cazaubon, and to renew its bodies. Among the subjects discussed, the pursuit of the Olympic dream: pelota has already been an Olympic sport four times, in 1900, 1924, 1968 and 1992. But also the absence of the Basque selection, in conflict with the Spanish federation, which deprives these championships of the best players in the world in certain specialties.
In Biarritz, for the first time, disabled sports will also be present in demonstration. France will try to maintain its place as world leader, the most decorated country in 2018.