Pétanque: Madagascar targets double at world championships
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on L'Express de Madagascar
Madagascar’s pétanque team is preparing for the world championships in Thailand, where 48 nations are expected from 20 November. The four Malagasy players have been in camp for two weeks in Antsirabe, according to L’Express de Madagascar.
Madagascar’s pétanque team is targeting a double at the world championships in triples and precision shooting, scheduled from 20 to 25 November 2026 in Khon Kaen, Thailand. National technical director Juan Éric Rakotondralambo said the team’s objective was to win both events.
The four Malagasy representatives are Olivier Rakotomanana, known as Liva, as pointer, Faralahy Urbain Joseph Ramanantiaray, nicknamed Baloty, in the middle, Tendry Fitia Fanjamanovofifaliana as first shooter and Lova Satamandimby Rakotoarisoa as second shooter. The latter was selected after finishing as the second-best shooter in the assessment tests. The four players were selected following the trials held from 10 to 14 October in Ankatso, Antananarivo.
The final training camp began on 2 November in Antsirabe and ended on 11 November. According to Juan Éric Rakotondralambo, the sessions focused on precision shooting, team cohesion and technical improvement specific to each position. Forty-eight nations will take part in the 52nd edition of the world championships.
