Three sports dominate the preferences of the Malagasy: football (soccer), basketball, and volleyball. Each locality generally has its own football field. When that’s not the case, rice paddies during the dry season serve as makeshift fields. A popular ironic saying defines this game: “Football in the rice paddies has no rules or technique and is not known to be an excellent spectacle.” While this may be true for the Highlands, in rural areas, entire villages often travel several kilometers to support their local team. Nevertheless, amateur clubs exist that, with more frequent international matches, could achieve notable feats.
Basketball and Volleyball: Rising Stars
Basketball and volleyball allowed Malagasy teams to stand out among Africa’s best a few years ago. The construction of covered stadiums in several cities, along with the growing importance of sports in schools, should help revive these sports.
Other Popular Sports
Rugby had its glory years but no longer attracts as many spectators, except in lowland regions. Athletics remains underdeveloped due to insufficient or rudimentary facilities, even though Madagascar has a large young, physically active population.
Martial arts, on the other hand, have been gaining popularity in recent years. Clubs are springing up in all cities, with a strong focus on karate. This trend may be linked to the Malagasy belief that their partially Asian origins predispose them to these disciplines.
Tennis and golf, long reserved for foreigners and elites, have become more accessible only recently. Clubs are developing in major cities such as Antananarivo, Antsirabe, Mahajanga, Fianarantsoa, Antsiranana, Tamatave, and Toliara.
Equestrian sports are mainly practiced in the regions of Antananarivo, Ambatolampy, Antsirabe, Fianarantsoa, and, more recently, Ampefy. Clubs are rare.
Water Sports and Diving: Explore the Island’s Blue Heart
Despite Madagascar’s island status, water sports are still in their infancy. The Malagasy are gradually discovering water skiing and sailing. The main centers for water sports are located in the northern part of Madagascar, particularly at Ramena (Ramena Beach).
With Madagascar’s waters being a genuine underwater wildlife park, scuba diving is featured in specific circuits organized by travel agencies in Nosy Be and its neighboring islands, such as Tanikely, Nosy Mitsio, Nosy Radama, Nosy Lava, as well as in Toliara and the eastern part of the island, Nosy Boraha (Sainte-Marie).
All credit photo: David Andriantsilavo, tour guide/photographer