Madagascar's rugby sevens team wins first Olympic medal at Dakar Youth Games
The Ladies Makis 7's took bronze after beating the Czech Republic 26-10, the country's first Olympic medal since it began competing in 1964.
Madagascar closed its campaign at the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games with a bronze medal for the Ladies Makis 7's rugby team, their first event in a collective Olympic discipline. The side won three group matches, lost the semi-final to Kenya, then beat the Czech Republic 26-10 to take third place.
The delegation's report counts six disciplines in total. Sprinter Jauslin Anjara Laura finished fifth in her 200 m semi-final in 27.46, missing the final. Swimmer Tendry Rakotobe set a Madagascar record of 27.35 in the 50 m backstroke but did not reach a final. Judoka Bryan Minoharintsoa Tokiniaina reached the quarter-finals and placed seventh in the under-100 kg category.
Table tennis player Tina Gracia Andriantahina lost two group matches. Beach wrestler Francia Nomenjanahary Randriatiana won one bout and lost two, stopping short of the semi-finals. A weightlifting demonstration event was also held.
Why it mattersThe medal is the first Olympic podium finish in the nation's history, a result the delegation presents as the high point of the Games.