Activities continue for the Malagasy Karate-do Federation (FMK) after the Island Games. Information on Malagasy karate is now available on the website of the WKF International Federation.
The second half of the FMK calendar will be rich in competitions. Two international outings are on the program including the world championship in Budapest. After the Island Games, six karatekas are selected to represent the Big Island at this world meeting which will take place in the capital of Hungary from October 24 to 29. These are all medalists, namely Gaëlle Linda Rakotonindrina and Brandon Princy Rakotomalala who will be entered in individual kata. In kumite, Tsiky Mialy Andrianavalona (-55kg) and Karine Elodie Razafimboninahitra (-61kg) will be competing for the ladies while Tanjona Rantsoramanana (-60kg) and Patrick Rijaharitiana (-84 kg) are selected for the men.
“Among the 30 athletes who are members of the national team, these six karatekas put on the best show at the Mahamasina indoor gymnasium. Since the Federation is entering a new professional management, only the best will be selected. These athletes are all likely to win gold medals,” noted Emile Ratefinanahary, the president of the Federation. The last outing is scheduled for December 7 to 10 in Venice during the U14 Young League. For this tournament reserved for the next generation, the regrouping will begin in October.
At the national level, the karatekas will meet from next Thursday in the Haute Matsiatra league for the second edition of the Betsileo Challenge. The competition concerns all age categories and is open to all clubs affiliated to the national body. The Madagascar championship will close the season. The Atsinanana league will host the competition from November 29 to December 2. Like certain disciplines, karate will also have a national dojo, according to his explanations. This is a promise from President Andry Rajoelina after the great feat of the karatekas during the JIOI. President Emile Ratefinanahary recalled that the Malagasy Karate Federation is now governed by a new principle. “Maybe we are not yet used to respecting the rules but we are all involved in this fight. We have already started with the constitution of the national team which is made up of the best fighters,” he added.
Manjata Razafy
