Last line of defense. The participation of Madagascar, the defending champion of the 65th Mondial la Marseillaise, remains uncertain on the eve of the competition’s kickoff. Still awaiting visa approval, the Malagasy national trio—comprising 2025 edition winners Tiana Laurens Razanadrakoto, alias “Tonnerre,” and Lova Rakotoarisoa, alongside vice-world champion Faralahy Urbain Joseph Ramanantiaray, known as “Baloty”—remains in the country, even though the tournament begins this Sunday and runs until July 8.
According to our source, “The 90-day visa application was refused by the embassy, and an intervention led by the Ministry of Youth and Sports is currently underway.” Furthermore, the Minister of Youth and Sports is currently occupied with a face-to-face meeting between government members and deputies at Tsimbazaza.
“Even we, the federation, are also awaiting confirmation from the ministry,” replied Julio Édouard Adrien Andrianirina, president of the Malagasy Boules Sports Federation, when reached by phone.
Conversely, another Malagasy team from the UBMT club, composed of Onja Randrimanana, Faratiana Rakotonirina, and Donald Andrianantenaina—who were planning for the summer tour and submitted their visa applications after the national team—have already received their visas. That delegation departed for France on Thursday.
The federation president hinted that “the summer tour will no longer be interesting if we do not participate in the Mondial la Marseillaise, but nothing is confirmed yet. A meeting of the executive committee and staff will decide the matter.” Last year, Madagascar became the first foreign country to win the Mondial la Marseillaise trophy with the trio of Yves Sedrick Rakotoarisoa, Tiana Laurens Razanadrakoto, and Lova Satamandimby Rakotoarisoa.
A symbolic milestone has been reached: three thousand teams, totaling nine thousand players, are registered for this 2026 edition, which will span three days. The first part of the tournament is played in two sessions, followed by knockout matches played to thirteen points. At worst, the Malagasy delegation for the Mondial la Marseillaise would need to fly out this Saturday to be able to participate.
Captured & Published at: 2026-07-04 05:43:02 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/07/petanque-mondial-la-marseillaise-la.html