JUDO – GASY CUP – First successful attempt at the RNS

The first participation of the Malagasy Judo Diaspora in the 49th edition of the National Sports Meeting (RNS) was a great success. This sporting and cultural event, which takes place every year during the Easter weekend, brings together the European diaspora.

The entertainment for the little ones and the competition for the older ones initiated by the Diaspora Malagasy Judo, led by the London Olympian, Fetra Ratsimiziva, representative of the national technical direction of the Malagasy Judo Federation, were held on Saturday at the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes sports park in Vichy, France. Twenty-six fighters from Belgium, Switzerland and France,… took part in the competition and around ten registered for the youth activities.

There were six categories for the Gasy Cup. Arthur was crowned champion in the -66 kg category by beating Ando in the final duel. Rialy won the -81 kg trophy and three fighters tied for first in the over 81 kg category, namely Mirado, Mathias and Rojo. On the girls’ side, the champions are Mailys in the -52 kg category, Tahina, former member of the national team, in the -63 kg category, and Alice in the over 63 kg category.

“The level was quite high. There were international fighters and also new ones. If we find that the athletes have the potential, and that they wish to participate and represent the Big Island in international competition, there will be tests including the Madagascar championship,” emphasizes Fetra Ratsimiziva. This project to promote judo in France and Europe was launched by the federation last year.

Serge Rasanda