With less than a year to go before the 2027 Indian Ocean Island Games (JIOI) in the Comoros, there has been no word from the leadership. State officials are being urged to speak out.
After topping the medal table at the 2023 JIOI in Antananarivo, Madagascar must defend its leadership away from home. However, to date, there has been no official state declaration or preparation agenda from any federation. Without clear political momentum, federations are left on the front line without sufficient resources to structure a coherent preparation program.
History highlights a persistent reality: Madagascar has never won an edition held outside its borders. In eleven editions, the Great Island has secured three titles, all at home (1990, 2007, 2023), while Reunion has seven and Mauritius one. Outside its home turf, Madagascar often settles for the role of an underdog.
The main concern is not the Malagasy sporting potential, but the lack of visibility regarding national preparation. No comprehensive state strategy has been officially presented. Nevertheless, some initiatives are emerging. In athletics, the national championships in July-August served as a first detection phase, with a training camp announced for December and others planned for 2027.
For Madagascar, the challenge is not starting from scratch. Weightlifting, judo, boxing, wrestling, taekwondo, pétanque, and basketball remain disciplines with high medal potential. Athletics also holds ambitions, though the depth of Reunion, the consistency of Mauritius, and the home-field advantage of the Comoros could change the landscape. Tsiry Manantena Rakotomalala, Technical Director of the Malagasy Athletics Federation, stated, “Out of the 45 gold medals in athletics, we can currently target 8 to 10.”
Junior Tsiravay, the new 100m champion of Madagascar, has sounded the alarm, urging the state to take the athletes’ situation seriously and provide the best conditions for preparation. In contrast, Reunion, Mauritius, and the Seychelles have already begun structured preparations, while host nation Comoros is advancing with infrastructure and training.
With one year to go, time is running out. Madagascar can still react, provided it accelerates its preparation. Minister of Youth and Sports, Désiré Rasambany, has not yet responded to inquiries.
Captured & Published at: 2026-08-27 06:09:01 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/08/jioi-2027-la-preparation-malgache.html