The Comoros recently hosted a preliminary sailing competition at Ndrude ya Mbwankuu, bringing together representatives from Mauritius, Madagascar, the Seychelles, and the Comoros. The event, organized by the Commission d'Organisation des Jeux des Îles (Coji), was held in the presence of Comoros' Minister of Sports, Mohamed Ali Saïd, and other officials. The competition featured windsurfing and kite sailing, two disciplines that will be included in the 2027 Indian Ocean Games.
The competition was not a traditional contest, but rather a demonstration aimed at helping Comoros' future representatives become familiar with the sport. Coji President Mohamed Issimaila described the event as a "test phase" to introduce the new discipline, which is one of 18 sports selected for the 2027 Games. The event provided an opportunity for participants to learn and gain experience in sailing.
Minister of Sports Mohamed Ali Saïd emphasized that the primary goal of the competition was learning and development. He noted that sailing is not currently practiced in the Comoros and that efforts are needed to train and support athletes in this discipline. Saïd expressed hope that local talents can be identified and prepared in time for the 2027 Games.
Seychelles' Olympic Committee President and technical expert for sailing, Alain, presented the two categories being tested: windsurfing and Formula Kite. He explained that the practice of these disciplines depends on various factors, including weather conditions, and praised the Ndrude ya Mbwankuu site for its suitability for sailing.
A trainer from the Seychelles explained the scoring system used in the competition, where participants receive a score between 1 and 10 for each passage, with the lowest total score determining the winner. The trainer noted that several trials were planned over the two-day event to allow participants to better understand the discipline and continue their learning.
Participant Pauline Marie Andrea from Mauritius, who has been practicing kite sailing for several years, praised the conditions at the Ndrude ya Mbwankuu site, citing the regular wind as a positive factor. However, she suggested that the site should be further tested before making definitive conclusions.
The successful preliminary competition marks the beginning of preparations for sailing in the Comoros, a sport that is still new to the country. The official site for the sailing events during the 2027 Games has yet to be determined.
Key points
- The Comoros hosted a preliminary sailing competition with Mauritius, Madagascar, and the Seychelles in preparation for the 2027 Indian Ocean Games.
- The competition featured windsurfing and kite sailing, two new disciplines for the Comoros.
- The event aimed to introduce and develop sailing in the Comoros, with a focus on learning and athlete development.
