The Makis Ladies, Madagascar's women's rugby team, have made history by winning the country's first-ever Olympic medal. They secured the bronze medal at the Youth Olympic Games, which took place in Dakar, Senegal. The team remained undefeated throughout the group stage, ultimately losing to Kenya in the semi-finals. However, they bounced back to defeat the Czech Republic 26-10 in the third-place match.

The Makis Ladies' journey to the bronze medal was impressive, with the team showcasing their skills and strength throughout the tournament. They began the group stage with a 12-10 win over Ethiopia, followed by a 19-12 victory against Spain. The team then defeated the Czech Republic 19-5 in their final group match, securing top spot in Group B. Their semi-final match against Kenya ended in a 15-5 loss, but the team regrouped to claim the bronze medal.

The Makis Ladies' achievement is significant for Madagascar's sports scene, marking the country's first-ever Olympic medal. The team's success is a testament to their hard work and dedication, as well as the support they received from the Malagasy government. The Minister of Youth and Sports, Rasambany Alain Désiré, attended the team's training session in Tunisia and watched them play during the tournament.

The Youth Olympic Games in Dakar provided a valuable experience for the Makis Ladies, who competed against top teams from around the world. The team's performance was impressive, with their speed, agility, and strength proving to be a challenge for their opponents. The Makis Ladies' victory has sparked celebrations across Madagascar, with many praising the team's achievement.

The Makis Ladies' bronze medal win is a milestone for Madagascar's rugby team, which has been working to develop its skills and competitiveness in recent years. The team's success is expected to inspire a new generation of young athletes in Madagascar, who will look to follow in their footsteps. The team's achievement has also highlighted the importance of investing in sports development programs.

The Makis Ladies' achievement has been widely celebrated in Madagascar, with many hailing the team's victory as a historic moment for the country's sports scene. The team's success has also sparked interest in rugby, with many young athletes expected to take up the sport in the coming months. The team's bronze medal win is a testament to their hard work and dedication.

The Makis Ladies' victory has also highlighted the importance of government support for sports development programs. The team's training session in Tunisia and the Minister of Youth and Sports' attendance at their matches demonstrate the government's commitment to supporting the team's efforts. The Makis Ladies' achievement is expected to pave the way for future generations of Malagasy athletes.

Key points

  • The Makis Ladies are the first Malagasy team to win an Olympic medal.
  • The team won the bronze medal in rugby sevens at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, Senegal.
  • The Makis Ladies' achievement has sparked celebrations across Madagascar and is expected to inspire a new generation of young athletes.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.