Lausanne, Switzerland, 8 April 2025 — In a historic double victory for Madagascar, Pétanque athletes Yves Rakotoarisoa and Mirana Ramamonjisoa captured gold in the prestigious precision shooting event at The World Games Series (TWGS) in Chengdu (28-30 March 2025). Their exceptional performances not only earned them top honours but also secured their qualification for The World Games 2025 — and the hearts of their nation.
Against the backdrop of challenging weather and unfamiliar terrain, the Malagasy duo rose above the competition with unwavering focus and skill. Their gold-medal triumphs mark a defining moment in Madagascar's sporting history, particularly for the growing community of Pétanque enthusiasts in the country.
“First of all, we sincerely thank you from the bottom of our hearts for choosing us as Athletes of the Month,” said Rakotoarisoa. “It is a tremendous honour for both of us, as well as for the world of Pétanque in Madagascar. We dedicate these two gold medals to the people of Madagascar.”
Their success in Chengdu is a testament to rigorous preparation and mental strength. The Malagasy federation’s decision to bring along a dedicated mental and psychological coach — the same coach who helped lead Madagascar to a world title in December — proved pivotal.
“Precision shooting isn’t just technical,” added Ramamonjisoa. “It requires total mental focus. We didn’t have much time to train together before the tournament, but our coach helped us stay calm and composed when it mattered most.”
Their gold medals also come with another major achievement — official qualification for The World Games 2025, which will also be held in Chengdu. The pair is already setting their sights on an even bigger prize.
“This qualification is just one step,” said Rakotoarisoa. “We’ll need to work even harder, but we’re aiming high. Our dream is to once again stand on the top step of the podium — and maybe even take medals in the other Pétanque events too.”
As Pétanque gains international recognition, their message to the next generation is clear: stay disciplined, train with purpose, and don’t let setbacks shake your belief.
“To young players in Madagascar and around the world,” Ramamonjisoa said, “what you do in training is what you’ll show in competition. Keep going, even after failure.”
Their victory moment came with a mix of pride and disbelief. “It all happened so fast,” they recalled. “We were still focused on the mixed doubles bronze match. But during the medal ceremony, when we heard our names and the crowd applauded, we finally realized — we had done it.”
Later that evening, in the quiet of their hotel, the celebration began — two champions, a proud coach, and joyous video calls to loved ones back home.
Historically, Madagascar has ranked 4th in both the Classic - Doubles Men and Women in The World Games 2017, Wrocław (POL). Prior to this, the country had clinched the silver medal in the Pétanque - Triples Men in The World Games 2005, Duisburg (GER) and the bronze medal in The World Games 2001, Akita (JPN) in the Pétanque - Precision Shooting - Doubles Women.