Antananarivo, Madagascar – The city’s Mahamasina gymnasium is set to host the first-ever “She Leads the Game” 3×3 basketball tournament this Sunday, March 22, 2026, a competition designed to elevate the profile of women’s basketball in Madagascar and provide opportunities for young athletes. Organized by the Amazons Ballers club in partnership with the Analamanga Basketball League (ABL), the event aims to empower female players and promote equality within the sport.
The tournament will feature approximately 300 players representing 80 teams, competing across multiple age categories – from under-10 to veterans divisions – as well as a corporate league. This broad participation underscores the growing interest in basketball among women and girls in the Analamanga region. The initiative comes at a crucial time, as opportunities for female athletes in Madagascar remain limited.
“She Leads the Game” isn’t just about basketball. it’s about leadership, self-confidence, and creating a platform for female athletes to showcase their talent,” explained a spokesperson for the ABL. The tournament’s organizers hope to establish it as an annual event, aligning with the celebration of Women’s History Month each March.
The 3×3 format, known for its fast-paced action and accessibility, was chosen to maximize engagement and appeal to a wider audience. Four courts will be set up within the Mahamasina gymnasium to accommodate the large number of participating teams. The tournament’s structure allows for quick turnaround and exciting competition, making it an attractive spectacle for both players and spectators.
Financial backing for the event is coming from several partners, including Yas Madagascar, a long-time supporter of Malagasy sports. Riantsoa Rabefitia, Head of Resources and Development at Yas Madagascar, emphasized the company’s commitment to inclusivity. “Yas already supports sport, particularly basketball. What really attracted us to supporting this event was its inclusive approach: empowering through sport to reveal talent, as well as equality between men and women in sports practice,” Rabefitia stated.
The Amazons Ballers club, founded in 2022, currently boasts around 50 registered players across various age groups, from mini-basketball to under-18s, and is coached by a team of six dedicated trainers. The club’s commitment to developing young talent is a key driver behind the “She Leads the Game” tournament.
Adding to the competitive spirit, organizers have announced a prize pool of 8 million Ariary for the winning teams. This financial incentive is expected to further motivate players and raise the overall level of competition. The prize money underscores the growing investment in women’s basketball in Madagascar.
The event’s launch was preceded by a technical meeting held earlier this week at the Yas Madagascar Andraharo Campus, bringing together organizers, sponsors, and participating teams to finalize details and ensure a smooth tournament experience. This preparatory step highlights the meticulous planning that has gone into making “She Leads the Game” a success.
For those interested in following the action, the Analamanga Basketball League’s Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/BasketballAnalamangaLeague/) will provide updates and results throughout the tournament. The league is similarly using the hashtag #sheleadsthegame to promote the event on social media.
The “She Leads the Game” tournament represents a significant step forward for women’s basketball in Madagascar, offering a platform for athletes to shine and inspiring a new generation of players. The event’s focus on empowerment, equality, and inclusivity sets a positive example for the future of sports in the country. The tournament is scheduled to begin Sunday at the Mahamasina gymnasium, and fans are encouraged to approach out and support the participating teams.
Following the conclusion of the inaugural tournament, the Amazons Ballers and the ABL are already looking ahead to next year’s event, with plans to expand its reach and impact. The long-term goal is to establish “She Leads the Game” as a premier annual event on the Malagasy sporting calendar.
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