The four table tennis players in addition to the champions of Madagascar, Riva Rakotoarisoa and Océane Rakotondrazaka, complete the list of six locals qualified for the African Games in Accra, from March 8 to 24.
Eight table tennis players will represent the Grande Île aux 13th African Games in Accra 2023 scheduled to be held from March 8 to 24, 2024. Four local table tennis players validated their tickets during a final selection test match held on Saturday at the Mahamasina Sports Palace. There are 6 in the men’s draw, namely Luciano, Rhandy, Takko, Narindra, Lino and Miora and 5 in the women’s group including Harena, Santatra, Fitia, Irinah and Rojo to compete for the 4 tickets in a single pool. The first two in both tables were qualified. They are Lino Razafindralambo and Luciano Randrianantoandro on the men’s side and Santatra Raharijaona and Fitia Rakotonirainy on the women’s side. The two defending champions at the last national championship in Tamatave, namely Riva Rakotoarisoa for the men and Océane Rakotondrazaka for the ladies, are automatically qualified. If previously, four expatriates were planned to make up the selection, the technical management has revised the number downwards by integrating only two expatriates and six locals. “ We will complete the list after the green light from the ministry. We plan to field 8 table tennis players including 4 respectively for men and women », told us Tahiry Rakotoarisoa, national technical director at the Malagasy Table Tennis Federation. The regrouping should start in a week. “The final preparation of the athletes must begin no later than February 13 because it is necessary to notify the table tennis players and their schools,” continued the DTN.
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