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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Tales Azzoni

The tiny sport stirring up a big controversy in Spain

Arai Lejardi, left, and Erika Mugartegui, members of the Spanish national team, pose for a photo ahead of the Nations League match between the Euskadi national team and the Spanish national team at the Jai Alai fronton in Guernica-Luno, northern Spain, Friday, June 6, 2025. (AP Photo/Miguel Oses) - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

A niche sport with roots in Spain’s Basque Country has become embroiled in political controversy, sparking court action and igniting nationalist sentiments in the region.

The dispute arose after the Basque Country was granted the right to compete as a nation in international pelota vasca competitions, a sport with a fleeting Olympic appearance over a century ago.

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