Many pétanque enthusiasts have not hidden their disappointment. Madagascar is the defending champion of the Mondial la Marseillaise, with a team consisting of Yves Sedrick Rakotoarisoa, Tiana Laurens Razanadrakoto (alias “Tonnerre”), and Lova Rakotoarisoa. The Great Island is the first foreign country to win the Mondial la Marseillaise trophy.
The Malagasy selection, composed of two players from the winning 2025 team, Tonnerre and Lova, and reinforced by world vice-champion Faralahy Urbain Joseph Ramanantiaray (alias “Baloty”), was unable to fly to the south of France until the very last moment to defend their title at the 65th edition, held from July 5th to 8th at the iconic Parc Borély in Marseille, despite intervention from “high levels.” “Their visa applications were refused. We were in contact with the Minister of Youth and Sports until yesterday (Friday), the eve of the kick-off, but in vain,” lamented the president of the Malagasy Boules Sports Federation, Julio Adrien Andrianirina.
The second team, consisting of Tafita Angelo Andriamahandry, Steph James Bondy Rakotonirina, and Jean Mickaël Ratolojanahary, is also stranded in the country. The federation president emphasized that he would renew the request, this time for the summer tour spanning three months. The only triplet, from the UBMT club of Ambohitrimanjaka—consisting of Onja Randrianarimanana, Faratiana Rakotonirina (known as “Tiana Kely”), and Donald Andrianantenaina—was the only one to have its visa application validated and was able to leave the country on Thursday.
Two other Malagasy stars, Yves Sedrick Rakotoarisoa and Jean François Daniel Rakotondrainibe (alias “Zigle”), are competing in this prestigious Mondial la Marseillaise event under the colors of the Decines club. These two players from the Great Island also represent the African team at the Masters of Pétanque. They won the first stage and recently reached the semi-finals in the second stage. The 2026 version of the Marseillaise recorded a record participation of 4,832 registered triplets, totaling 14,496 players.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-06 06:43:39 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/petanque-mondial-la-marseillaise.html