Family members and representatives from the national pétanque federation gathered at Ivato Airport on Saturday afternoon to welcome the Malagasy U18 mixed youth world championship team back from Santa Susanna, Spain. Following a motorcade from Ivato to the Barea Stadium via Ambodihady, the young heroes were received by the Minister of Youth and Sports.
The Malagasy team reached the podium three times. Harison Clarito Andriambelonony and Nomena Ramamonjisoa secured the gold medal, successfully defending their doublette world title, and also claimed bronze in the precision shooting event. In the triplette category, the team, reinforced by Eliot Raberanto and Nameno Ramamonjisoa, reached the semi-finals but fell to France, earning a bronze medal.
National coach Lalaina Ratsimbaharison expressed his pride, noting that Madagascar remains among the top three nations in the world alongside Thailand and France. He emphasized the need for better talent detection for female players while celebrating the boys’ impressive performance.
Double world champion Clarito Andriambelonony reflected on the tournament, highlighting the importance of team solidarity and trust in coaching. Meanwhile, Nomena Ramamonjisoa noted the physical toll of the competition, reinforcing the sentiment that Madagascar is to pétanque what Brazil is to football.
Ravaka Andriantsiferana, president of the Analamanga league, called for continued state support, specifically for travel and the construction of a long-awaited national boulodrome. Minister Alain Désiré Rasambany confirmed plans for the facility’s construction and promised official recognition for the champions’ achievements.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-10 06:09:25 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/petanque-mondiaux-juniors-accueil.html