Rising stars in the spotlight. Last Saturday, the Malagasy Wrestling Federation organized the second edition of the Madagascar School Championships in Greco-Roman wrestling and beach wrestling at the Ankorondrano gymnasium. The enthusiasm surrounding this second edition was remarkable. Over 250 children across U17, U15, and U13 categories, representing 18 schools and regional league clubs from Analamanga, Vakinankaratra, Boeny, Ihorombe, and Atsinanana, gathered for this national event.
“We have introduced beach wrestling, which has become popular worldwide in recent years and whose promotion is highly recommended by the World Wrestling Federation,” noted federation president Mamitiana Raveloson.
“This national championship also served as a pre-selection for our representatives for the Youth Olympic Games (YOG). Based on our results from the last African Beach Wrestling Championship, we will be represented in the U17 girls’ category,” the federation leader specified.
The YOG will take place in Dakar, Senegal, from October 31 to November 13. The top three finishers from this championship will join the pre-selection squad and participate in training camps. The -45 kg podium consists of Francia from Rossary, alongside Uasc Valisoa and Tinah. In the -55 kg category, Alicia from Ihorombe took the title, closely followed by Ivanah and Angelina from Boeny. “Promoting school wrestling will provide us with a permanent talent pool for the national team. We also plan to integrate wrestling into the national school curriculum. We will soon begin negotiations with the Ministry of National Education,” the president added.
Serge Rasanda
Captured & Published at: 2026-06-22 07:01:13 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/06/lutte-scolaire-championnats-de.html