The Malagasy U18 women’s rugby team is set to compete on the international stage at the Youth Olympic Games (YOG) in Dakar 2026, taking place from November 1st to 3rd at the Iba-Mar-Diop complex. Placed in a highly competitive Pool B, the Malagasy team will face the United States, Spain, and the Czech Republic in their bid to qualify for the semi-finals.
Beyond the competition, this participation marks a significant milestone for the development of women’s rugby in Madagascar. It provides young players with the opportunity to test themselves against international teams, assess their progress, and represent the country on the global stage.
The president of Malagasy Rugby, Marcel Rakotomalala, emphasizes the importance of this qualification, viewing it as the result of a long-term strategy. “Madagascar’s participation in the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar is no coincidence. It is the logical continuation of the women’s rugby development program in Madagascar,” he stated.
This statement places the event in a broader perspective, highlighting the structuring and advancement of women’s rugby in the country. Addressing critics who doubt the significance of this participation, Marcel Rakotomalala asserts that it is a major step forward for Malagasy rugby. For the leader, the qualification of the ‘Ladies Makis’ demonstrates the progress made and the federation’s commitment to prioritizing young players in its development project.
The stated ambition is now purely sporting. “The goal is to seek a medal, the first Olympic medal for Madagascar,” declared the federation president. To achieve this, the Ladies Makis must finish in the top two of their pool to reach the semi-finals. While the battle will be tough, Dakar represents an opportunity to turn progress into concrete results. Madagascar is currently ranked 7th among the eight participating women’s teams (Australia, USA, Spain, Kenya, China, Czech Republic, Madagascar, and Senegal).
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-28 05:54:13 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/rugby-vii-jo-de-la-jeunesse-les-makis.html