SERGE RAMIANDRASOA – “Malagasy sport is in decline”

Retired Jirama executive, former president of the Malagasy Tennis Federation, Serge Ramiandrasoa, in a few days, will present his book “Happy Story of my Tennis Life”, and answer our questions.

Serge Ramiandrasoa, from 1990 to 2004, you were at the head of the Malagasy Tennis Federation (FMT), was it a choice or a combination of circumstances?

With my passion for tennis, the Minister of Youth and Sports at the time, Badroudine, summoned me and asked me to lead the national tennis coordination committee, which started it all. In 1991, the FMT was born to be recognized internationally. There was an election and I was elected head of the federation.

And what was next?

After our election, we attended the first general assembly of the International Tennis Federation in 1991, and Madagascar became an associate member. In 1996, the Big Island became a full member and benefited from voting rights. The country was able to participate in all existing tournaments. Then, I was elected member of the Malagasy Olympic Committee.

In 1991, Madagascar became African champion in the junior category. From there, Dally Randriantefy and his sister Natacha emerged by qualifying directly for the Olympic Games, without a wild card.

During your presidency, we can say that Malagasy tennis broke through on the international scene.

The two Randriantefy sisters, aged 14 and 15 I believe, debuted at the Olympic Games three times: 1992, 1996 and 2004. I dare say that Malagasy tennis, in my time, defended the honor with dignity. of Madagascar (Davis Cup, African Cup and Olympic Games, etc.). I served four terms at the head of the FMT and I passed the torch in 2004. Twenty years later, in 2024, I released a book of memoirs, a collection of books that I will present to Acsa, Wednesday, November 27.

We come to the main thing, can you talk about this book? What is he talking about?

For the moment, I have chosen not to go into detail. It will be for Wednesday, but in a nutshell, it tells the story of my journey in the world of sport. I dare say I was lucky during this part of my life. I don't know if it's a coincidence or not, but I'm a super fan of Rafael Nadal, and now he chose to quit right around the time my memoir book came out.

On another thing, how do you find Malagasy sport currently?

Without impugning intent, it's sad to see the level of athletes currently. Is it normal to note that the number of wild card athletes counts more than directly qualified athletes? When did it start? This explains why Malagasy sport in general is in decline.

Coming back to tennis to finish, what advice would you give to tennis leaders?

You need a locomotive at the head of the train. Who is the locomotive? We must give priority to the seniors, because without results with the seniors, it is difficult for the juniors to identify with their game. The seniors are the role models that our juniors must follow. You understand what I mean, don't you?

Donné Raherinjatovo