The general ranking by league for the 2026 Madagascar Youth Championships establishes Atsimo-Andrefana as the new national benchmark in youth categories. Analamanga has lost its leading status, while Itasy disappointed by falling short of expectations.
The final medal table confirms this shift in hierarchy. The Atsimo-Andrefana league secured first place with 18 gold, 8 silver, and 15 bronze medals, totaling 41 medals. This remarkable performance rewards the consistency of its young athletes throughout the competition.
Long-time dominant force, Analamanga, must settle for second place this time, despite a strong haul of 58 medals, including 17 gold, 23 silver, and 18 bronze. While the capital’s league remains the most prolific in terms of total medals, it ceded the top spot due to having fewer titles than Atsimo-Andrefana.
Atsinanana completes the podium with 15 titles and a total of 38 medals, confirming the rise of the eastern league. Behind them, Diana, Vakinankaratra, and Alaotra-Mangoro were among the top-performing leagues at this national event.
“The national summit shows the work that still needs to be done. The potential is there, and it is up to the coaches to make the necessary corrections,” says Toussaint Rabenala, multiple-time Madagascar champion and African triple jump champion.
The biggest disappointment came from Itasy. The league totaled only one gold, three silver, and three bronze medals, finishing in only 12th place—a result far below the ambitions of a region accustomed to playing a leading role in national youth competitions.
This underperformance raises questions about preparation and the renewal of the next generation. Conversely, the success of Atsimo Andrefana demonstrates that structured training and effective coaching now allow regional leagues to compete with the traditional strongholds of Malagasy athletics.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-03 05:38:34 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/sommet-national-pour-les-jeunes-atsimo.html