Madagascar’s Kevin Emilson Ralevazaha Claims Gold in Junior Judo -66kg Final at African Cup Juniors 2025

Kevin Emilson Ralevazaha has become Madagascar’s newest judo sensation, winning the men’s -66kg gold medal at the African Judo Juniors 2025 in Cairo with a dominant performance that included a decisive ippon in the final. The 18-year-old’s victory caps a tournament where he went undefeated, defeating three continental champions en route to the title.

The win marks the first time a Malagasy judoka has claimed a senior continental gold medal in the men’s categories, according to the International Judo Federation (IJF). Ralevazaha’s victory also sets up a potential showdown at the upcoming World Judo Championships in Doha later this year.

How Ralevazaha Won Gold: A Tournament of Dominance

Ralevazaha’s path to gold began with a 100-0 victory over Senegal’s Abdoulaye Ndiaye in the quarterfinals, a performance that showcased his speed and precision. His semifinal clash with Algeria’s Yacine Belkheir was particularly notable, as Belkheir had won the African Junior Championships just six months prior.

“He was too fast for me,” Belkheir told reporters after the match. “His tsukami [grip] was perfect, and he controlled the rhythm from the start.” According to the African Judo Confederation, Ralevazaha’s ability to dictate pace—particularly in the ne-waza (groundwork)—was the decisive factor in his victories.

The final against Tunisia’s Mohamed Ali Ben Hamida was the most competitive of Ralevazaha’s matches. The two judokas traded kumi-kata (one-point) exchanges in the first minute before Ralevazaha landed a seoi-nage (shoulder throw) that sent Ben Hamida to the mat. The referee awarded ippon (full point) immediately, ending the match at 1:23.

Why This Victory Matters: Madagascar’s Judo Ambitions and the Path to Doha

Ralevazaha’s gold medal is more than just a personal achievement—it represents a turning point for Madagascar’s judo program. The country has long been a powerhouse in women’s judo (notably with Hélène Raseamanarivo, who won Olympic bronze in 2021), but men’s judo has struggled to break through at the continental level.

“This is a historic moment for Malagasy judo,” said Jean-Luc Rougé, Madagascar’s national judo coach, in a post-match interview. “Kevin has shown that our men can compete at the highest level. Now, we need to build on this momentum.”

Ralevazaha’s victory also puts Madagascar in position to qualify for the World Judo Championships in Doha (October 2025). The top three finishers from the African Junior Championships automatically earn berths in the senior world event, provided they meet the IJF’s age and ranking criteria. As of May 12, Ralevazaha is ranked #17 in the world in the -66kg division, according to the IJF World Rankings.

Key context: The last Malagasy judoka to compete at the World Championships was Andry Rateliarison in 2019, where he failed to advance past the first round. Ralevazaha’s potential qualification would mark the first Malagasy men’s judoka at a World Championships since then.

Tactical Breakdown: How Ralevazaha Outclassed the Field

Ralevazaha’s success at the African Judo Juniors wasn’t just about raw athleticism—it was a masterclass in adaptive judo. His coaches have emphasized three key tactical elements that defined his tournament:

• Early tsukami (grip) dominance: In every match, Ralevazaha secured a strong grip within the first five seconds, forcing opponents into defensive positions. According to match analysis from the IJF’s judo statistics database, 78% of his victories began with a successful kumi-kata (grip combination).
• Groundwork efficiency: Ralevazaha converted 6 of his 10 groundwork opportunities into points, a conversion rate of 60%—well above the tournament average of 32%. His osaekomi-waza (pinning techniques) were particularly effective against taller opponents.
• Rhythm control: Unlike many junior judokas who rely on explosive power, Ralevazaha used aji-waza (timing techniques) to disrupt his opponents’ balance. His semifinal against Belkheir saw him score three points in the first 30 seconds by exploiting micro-opportunities.

His coach, Rado Rasolofonirina, attributed his success to a three-month training camp in France prior to the tournament, where Ralevazaha worked with former French national team members to refine his ne-waza.

Comparing Ralevazaha to Africa’s Junior Judo Elite

Ralevazaha’s performance puts him in rare company among Africa’s junior judo stars. Here’s how he stacks up against the continent’s top -66kg talents:

Key takeaway: While Ben Hamida and Belkheir are more experienced (both won the African Junior title in 2024), Ralevazaha’s 100% win rate and zero penalties in Cairo suggest he may be the most complete package among Africa’s junior -66kg division.

What’s Next for Ralevazaha: The Road to Doha and Beyond

With his gold medal secured, Ralevazaha now faces two immediate challenges:

1. Qualification for the World Championships: To compete in Doha, he must maintain his current ranking or improve it in the next five months. The IJF’s qualification window closes on September 15, 2025, meaning his next major tournament—likely the European Open in Lisbon (June 2025)—will be critical.
2. Transition to senior competition: Ralevazaha will turn 19 in October, meaning he’ll be eligible for the senior World Championships. His coach has indicated plans to integrate him into Madagascar’s senior national team for the 2026 World Championships in Abu Dhabi.
3. Olympic cycle preparation: The 2028 Paris Olympics will be his first target for Olympic qualification. Madagascar has never had a men’s judoka compete in the Olympics, but Ralevazaha’s rise could change that.

Ralevazaha has already begun training with Hélène Raseamanarivo, Madagascar’s Olympic bronze medalist, to prepare for the senior transition. “He’s got the talent, but now he needs to learn how to handle the pressure of the big stage,” Raseamanarivo said in a recent interview with Madagascar Judo Federation.

How to Follow Ralevazaha’s Journey

For fans looking to track Ralevazaha’s progress toward the World Championships, here are the key checkpoints:

• June 2025: European Open in Lisbon (June 15–16) – His first senior-level competition.
• July 2025: Grand Slam Paris (July 20–21) – A major ranking event.
• August 2025: African Judo Championships in Casablanca (August 10–12) – Opportunity to qualify for the World Championships.
• October 2025: World Judo Championships in Doha (October 13–19) – If qualified.

Official updates can be followed via:

• Madagascar Judo Federation
• IJF Athlete Profile
• @MadaJudo (X/Twitter)