The Johannesburg Open concluded yesterday, with the Malagasy delegation delivering a brilliant performance, securing three gold medals, two silver, and one bronze.
A successful haul. The Malagasy athletes at the African Open in Johannesburg, which ended yesterday, claimed three gold medals, two silver, and one bronze. Multiple national youth and senior champion, Kevin Emilson Ralevazaha, opened the tally during the African Junior Cup on Friday. The judoka from the Family Judo club in Antsirabe climbed to the top step of the podium in the -66 kg category.
The Malagasy national anthem, “Ry Tanindrazanay Malala,” echoed in the competition hall on the day of the country’s 66th Independence Day celebration. Kevin defeated South African Llewellyn Jones in the final, following his victory over another South African, Sinqobile Shongwe. “I am very happy to have won the gold medal on this national holiday, which I dedicate to my compatriots (…) The final was tougher, especially with the heat here. I was a bit out of breath, but in the end, I did it,” said Kevin Ralevazaha. Stepping up in level, he also competed in the senior category, where he was eliminated in the semi-finals by Saudi Arabian Sughayyir Alhassan, following victories against Zambian Simon Zulu and Mozambican Sando Amilcar. Another Ralevazaha, Natacha Emiliame Razafindrakalo, claimed the gold medal in the -48 kg category. Natacha triumphed yesterday in the final against Angolan Maria Segunda. In the semi-finals, she eliminated Burundian Kanyamuneza after defeating Botswanan Pine Moreosele in the pool stage.
The third gold medal was won by Angelo Yacinthe Rakotonandrasana in the -60 kg category. He secured victory against South African Mosa Thetsane in the final duel. Angelo had overcome South African Schultz Dewald in the semi-final, following victories in the first round against South African Bobi Hlobanisa and then Saudi Arabian Aldossari. Paris 2024 Olympian, Laura Aina Rasoanaivo Razafy, fell in the final, beaten by her rival in the world rankings, the Angolan Diassonema, the reigning African champion. In her first bout, Laura had defeated South African Anastasya Neneva. Ryan Ravelojaona, in the -73 kg category, also lost in the final to German Jannick Wenzel. He dominated South African Moagi Molele in the semi-final. Exempted from the first round, Ryan had defeated Saudi Arabian Fares Aljohar in the second round. The bronze medal was earned by Hasina Andraina Randriamiary in the African Cadet Cup (-50 kg). The youth performed excellently at this international tournament in South Africa.
Captured & Published at: 2026-06-29 07:00:55 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/06/judo-open-de-johannesburg-madagascar.html