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BMOI Bank,already a prominent supporter of tennis in Madagascar,expanded its sporting reach this weekend with the inaugural “BMOI Premium Padel” tournament. Held at the Lamako Padel Center, the event, a collaboration between BMOI and the Malagasy Pro Padel Tour (MPP Tour), proved a smashing success, drawing significant local attention.
The tournament introduced the fast-growing sport of padel to a wider audience, showcasing its blend of kind competition and exciting gameplay. five teams, each comprised of six players (a mix of men and women), competed fiercely. The teams, Harena, Vikina, Amboara, Raitra, and Mamiratra, each boasted a unique roster of talented players, battling for the coveted championship title.team rosters included players such as Gary, Luke, Tojo, Audrey, Ashley, and Lova (Harena); Thierry, Béni, Fanilo, Noémie, Claudia, and Corinne (Vikina); Jafetra, Tom, Iandry, Cécilia, Vanessa, and Ny Kanto (Amboara); Seb, Mitina, Paul, Christina, Mialy, and Miora (Raitra); and Benaivo, David, Tsila, Fidisoa, Kristel, and Carmen (Mamiratra).
A Thrilling Final Showdown
The final match lived up to the hype, featuring a captivating battle between teams Vikina and Raitra. Vikina’s women’s duo, Claudia and Noémie, secured a hard-fought victory over Christina and Mialy of Raitra, with a final score of 5-3, 4-5, and a decisive 10-4 super tiebreak. Meanwhile, the men’s doubles match saw Vikina’s Thierry and Béni dominate, defeating Paul and Mitina of Raitra with a commanding 4-0, 4-1 score.
Gary Ah-Waye, co-manager of the MPP Tour, commented on the tournament’s success and BMOI’s future plans: “Building on this success, the BMOI reaffirms its commitment to the sport and announces its intention to invest more in padel competitions in the coming years. A very good vision for the development of this subject in Madagascar,guided by common values with the BMOI: searching for excellence,transcending the individual,proximity,motivation and team spirit.”
By Herinia Samson
Padel Takes Madagascar By Storm!
Senior Editor Sarah Jones sits down with renowned sports commentator and padel enthusiast, Jean-Claude Razafindrakoto, to discuss the recent success of the inaugural “BMOI Premium padel” tournament in Madagascar.
Interview Transcript
Sarah Jones: Jean-Claude, Madagascar’s first-ever BMOI Premium Padel tournament was a resounding success. What were your initial impressions of the event?
Jean-Claude razafindrakoto: It was absolutely fantastic, Sarah! The atmosphere was electric, the competition was fierce, and it was clear that padel has immense appeal in Madagascar. Seeing so many people, including families, come together to experiance this exciting sport was truly inspiring.
Sarah Jones: The article mentioned that BMOI Bank, known for its support of tennis, is now venturing into padel. What does this signify for the development of the sport in Madagascar?
Jean-Claude Razafindrakoto: It’s a tremendous boost for padel’s future in Madagascar. BMOI’s commitment is a testament to the growing popularity of the sport. Their investment will undoubtedly lead to more tournaments,infrastructure development,and ultimately,a wider reach for padel across the island.
Sarah Jones: BMOI seemed very optimistic about the future of padel in Madagascar.What makes it such an appealing sport,especially for a country like Madagascar?
Jean-Claude Razafindrakoto: Padel is accessible to all ages and skill levels. You don’t need years of experience to enjoy it,and the smaller court size makes it a more dynamic and fast-paced game than customary tennis. Plus, the social aspect is incredibly important.
Sarah Jones: So, it’s a sport that fosters community?
Jean-Claude Razafindrakoto: Absolutely.Padel is often played in doubles, which encourages teamwork and camaraderie. it’s a sport that brings people together.
Sarah Jones: The tournament saw some impressive gameplay. Did any players or teams particularly stand out to you?
Jean-Claude Razafindrakoto: Vikina’s performance was truly remarkable.Both their men’s and women’s doubles teams showcased remarkable skill and strategy. Claudia and Noémie’s victory in the women’s final was a nail-biter, and Thierry and Béni were dominant in the men’s final.
Sarah Jones: Looking ahead, What are your hopes for the future of padel in Madagascar?
Jean-Claude Razafindrakoto: I envision a thriving padel scene with strong leagues, dedicated clubs, and international exposure. Madagascar has the potential to become a major padel hub in Africa.
Sarah Jones: Thank you so much for sharing your insights, Jean-Claude. It certainly sounds like an exciting time for padel in Madagascar!
