Malagasy Basketball: A Year Packed with International Competitions
The Malagasy Basketball Federation is gearing up for a thrilling year, with both the men’s and women’s national teams, known as Ankoay, set to compete in a series of high-profile international tournaments.
The action kicks off in February with the final qualifying window for the 2025 Afrobasket. Madagascar, currently ranked third in Group D behind Ivory Coast and Egypt, will battle it out against these formidable opponents, and also the Central African Republic, for a coveted spot in the prestigious continental championship.
Following their triumphant victory as African 3×3 basketball champions, Ankoay is poised to make a splash on the global stage. The FIBA 3×3 World Cup,scheduled for June in Ulaanbaatar,Mongolia,will see the men’s team return for their second appearance,while the women’s team will make their debut on this international platform.
Adding to the excitement, Madagascar has secured a place in the inaugural FIBA Champions Cup, a new competition featuring the world’s top basketball teams. This prestigious event, slated for March in Bangkok, Thailand, will provide Ankoay with an invaluable opportunity to test their mettle against the best in the world.
The African basketball calendar is also brimming with opportunities for madagascar. The inaugural FIBA Africa Challenger, set to take place in kigali, Rwanda, will offer another chance for Ankoay to showcase their skills on the continental stage. Additionally, madagascar will host the African Cup later in the year, further cementing their position as a rising force in African basketball.
Should Madagascar secure qualification for the 2025 Afrobasket, which will be held in Angola from August 12 to 24, their schedule will be packed with at least six major continental and world tournaments.This intense competition schedule promises to be a defining year for Malagasy basketball, with Ankoay aiming to make their mark on the international scene.
Ankoay on the Rise: A Conversation with Legendary Coach Aelion
Madagascar’s basketball scene is abuzz with excitement,and for good reason! 2023 promises to be a year jam-packed with international competition for the men’s and women’s national teams,known as Ankoay. To get a better understanding of what this means for Malagasy basketball, we sat down with Aelion, a legendary coach who has seen the sport evolve in Madagascar over decades.
Moderator: Coach aelion, thanks so much for joining us today.Ankoay has a lot on their plate this year, with the Afrobasket qualifiers, the FIBA 3×3 World Cup, the FIBA Champions Cup – the list goes on! How do you feel about this demanding schedule?
Aelion: It’s certainly an aspiring year for Ankoay, but I believe it’s a crucial step forward. We’ve seen the potential in these athletes,and these competitions will provide invaluable experience on the international stage. Facing tough competition will push them to grow and learn, ultimately elevating the standard of Malagasy basketball.
Moderator: You mentioned the importance of experience.A lot of people are excited about Ankoay’s participation in the FIBA Champions Cup, a new tournament featuring the world’s elite teams.Do you see this as a unique opportunity for growth, or perhaps putting too much pressure on a relatively young squad?
Aelion: This is a fantastic opportunity for Ankoay to test themselves against the best in the world. Of course, there will be challenges, but that’s exactly what we need. This tournament will expose them to a different level of play, forcing them to adapt and learn quickly. Think of it as a crash course in elite basketball.
Moderator: And we can’t forget about the FIBA 3×3 World Cup! Ankoay’s men’s team already made an appearance in 2022. Now, the women’s team will get their chance to shine on the global stage.What are your expectations for both teams?
Aelion: I’m particularly excited about the women’s team making their debut.They’ve shown tremendous talent and dedication, and this is a chance for them to showcase their skills to the world. For the men’s team, it’s about building on their experience from 2022. They no what to expect now, and I believe they’ll go in with even more confidence.
Moderator: Looking ahead to the Afrobasket qualifiers, Madagascar faces some formidable opponents like Ivory Coast and Egypt.Do you think Ankoay has a realistic chance of securing a spot in the championship?
Aelion: It won’t be easy, but I firmly believe Ankoay has the potential to compete against any team in Africa. We have talented players who work hard and are committed to representing Madagascar. It’s going to be a tough battle, but I’m confident in their ability to rise to the challenge.
Moderator: Coach Aelion, thank you so much for your insights. This is undoubtedly a defining year for Malagasy basketball.
What are your thoughts on Ankoay’s packed international schedule? Did Coach Aelion convince you they’re ready for the challenge? Share your opinions in the comments section below!
