The 4th edition of Festival pétanque lor la plage was held on October 25 at the public beach of Pointe-aux-Sables, attracting a large crowd. The event, organized by the Pointe-aux-Sables Lyons Sports Club, saw the participation of 117 doublettes hommes and 16 pairs of dames from several regions of Mauritius, Réunion, and Madagascar. This international dimension was a notable aspect of the tournament.
The event witnessed a significant turnout, with around 20 doublettes from Réunion and 10 duos from Madagascar participating. The large number of participants pleased the club's direction, with Seerouven Mangla, a club official, expressing delight at the event's success. He mentioned that the tournament has become an annual gathering for pétanque enthusiasts, extending beyond Mauritius to neighboring islands.
The strategy implemented by the organizers allowed participants to engage in multiple competitions simultaneously, contributing to the event's success. The program included two major tournaments: a doublette hommes and dames, followed by a repêchage tournament for eliminated teams and precision shooting and pointage contests. This kept participants engaged throughout the day.
The competition saw Nitish Gopy-Lariot Rafenosoa and Amar Bundhoo-Norad Emamuck emerge as winners in the men's category, while the Réunionnaise pair of Valérie Bègue-Aurore Rey won the women's title. The Pointe-aux-Sables Lyons Sports Club, an omnisport club active for over 30 years in pétanque and football, aims to host an even grander edition in 2027.
The club's officials were pleased with the event's outcome, citing the support of participants, members, and sponsors. They also received interest from clubs wanting to participate in the 2027 edition, indicating the event's growing popularity. The success of the festival has solidified its position as a premier pétanque event in the region.
The event's growth over the years is evident in its increasing popularity, with more teams participating from Mauritius and neighboring islands. The Pointe-aux-Sables Lyons Sports Club's efforts to promote pétanque have contributed to its success, making it a significant event in the sporting calendar.
As the club looks forward to the 2027 edition, it aims to build on the success of this year's festival. With its growing reputation, the event is expected to attract even more participants and spectators, further establishing its position as a premier sporting event in Mauritius.
Key points
- The 4th edition of Festival pétanque lor la plage saw the participation of 133 teams from Mauritius, Réunion, and Madagascar.
- The event was organized by the Pointe-aux-Sables Lyons Sports Club, which has been active in promoting pétanque for over 30 years.
- The 2027 edition is expected to be even grander, with interest already expressed from clubs wanting to participate.