Madagascar will be among the nations present at the African Badminton Championship, which will be held from February 9 to 15 in Gaborone, Botswana. The Big Island will field four players, in this case Irina Razakasoavina and Tokinirina Razafimandimby, alias “Joy”, both from the Mb2all club, Herizo Rakotoarinivo from Abc Vakinankaratra, as well as Lalaina Ramanana Rahary, an expatriate living in Lyon. The latter had already defended the national colors during the previous edition in Douala, where he reached the round of 16.
This participation is the result of a personal commitment of the badists. Due to a lack of institutional resources, they covered their travel and registration costs. The visa procedures have already been completed, all that remains is to confirm the plane ticket of one of the players, according to the explanations of the president of the Malagasy Badminton Federation, Jean Aimé Ravalison.
The program first includes team events, from February 9 to 11, followed by individual singles and doubles matches, from February 12 to 15. An opportunity for Malagasy representatives to measure their level against the best on the continent and gain experience.
As part of this outing, representatives of the Federation and the players were received by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Alain Désiré Rasambany, yesterday in his office in Ambohijatovo. He expressed his support and encouraged the athletes to defend the national colors with pride.
Manjata Razafy
