A project matured since last year, Malagasy jiujitsuka Xavi Ranarivelo is preparing to participate in the European Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Championship, scheduled for early 2026 in Lisbon. The founder of Club 101 Jiu-Jitsu has the ambition to win a medal.
While the Jiu-Jitsu World Championship is in full swing in Abu Dhabi, another ambition is taking shape in the discipline. Xavi Ranarivelo has confirmed his presence at the European Championship in Lisbon, one of the most prestigious meetings on the international calendar, organized each year under the aegis of the International Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Federation (IBJJF). Thousands of athletes from the four corners of the world compete for a European title, test their level and gain visibility. For the first time, a local Malagasy athlete will represent the country in this benchmark competition, a true showcase of technical excellence, endurance and strategy specific to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The president of the Analamanga league and founder of Club 101 Jiu-Jitsu will be entered in the Gi category, less than 76 kg, brown belt. His fight is scheduled for Saturday, January 17. “It’s a project that I had already considered last year, but for family reasons, I had to postpone it. This time, I want to honor the country and the discipline at this great meeting » he declared.
Hard-core preparation. For the past month, Xavi has intensified his preparations to defend the colors of the Big Island. Determined, he increases the number of training sessions in order to reach his best shape on the big day. “ My participation symbolizes the rise of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in Madagascar and the ambition to raise the national level on the international scene. Every day, I get closer to a goal that is close to my heart, to proudly represent Madagascar in Europe” he added. However, the athlete is financing this ambitious project alone and is calling on sponsors and partners to support him in this adventure. Note that this year also marks an important milestone for Xavi Ranarivelo, with obtaining his brown belt, awarded by Sensei Fabrice Payet of Jiu-Jitsu Icon Réunion.
Manjata Razafy