These are seven medals that Maurice brought back from Madagascar. Despite the fact that our representatives only collected one gold, Prem Boudena, coach of the Mauritian selection, is satisfied with their performances in Madagascar, a country where pétanque is sacred.
“We are satisfied with what our bowlers have accomplished in Madagascar. They were in a foreign land where pétanque is very popular ,” says Prem Boudena. At the JIOI, the Mauritians competed in three finals, the precision shooting, the men’s doubles and the men’s triplet. And this, against opponents from Madagascar.
Parvez Khodabaccus won gold in precision shooting against a Malagasy bowler. In addition, in doubles and triplets, the men collected silver against Malagasy teams as well. “In pétanque, precision shooting as well as doublet and triplet tournaments are important events. By reaching three finals, we realize that the Mauritian bowlers have reached a higher level. They already knew their opponents, but they were not afraid to challenge them at home ,” he adds.
The only downside is that only one medal was won at the JIOI by the ladies. Indeed, only the pair Pamela Wong and Francesse Teycheney reached the podium, thanks to their performance in the doubles tournament. “We have to recognize that we have some shortcomings among the ladies. The lack of competitions at international level, as far as they are concerned, may have contributed to this.
We will have to review our approach and review their volume of work and training, so that they can reach the next level”, explains the coach of the Mauritian selection. The latter does not forget to mention that two other Mauritian medals are in bronze – in men’s precision shooting and in men’s doubles – because the bowlers concerned had lost in the semi-finals against their own compatriots in these two events (Salim Sookharee in precision shooting and the pair Stephano Sylvio and Ravin Gopaul in men’s doubles).
According to Prem Boudena, Mauritians would benefit from taking part in more competitions, particularly internationally, to progress. “Friction with foreign teams – with matches played under pressure – would allow us to face situations such as those we experienced in Madagascar more frequently. Basically, we need more methodical training. From what I understand, the Mauritius Boules Federation plans to bring in a foreign DTN to help Mauritian bowls players improve ,” specifies the coach of the Mauritian pétanque selection.
Among other things, Prem Boudena also made it clear that a national bowling alley would not be too much for the good of Mauritian pétanque. It will be up to the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Recreation to do what is necessary, as Minister Toussaint suggested when handing over equipment to bowlers in Côted’Or before their departure for the Big Island .
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The medals
Gold : Parvez Khodabaccus in precision shooting
Silver : Gentlemen’s Doublet (Salim Sookharry and Sunil Sumoreeah); Triplets Gentlemen (Sunil Sumoreeah, Parvez Khodabaccus, Ravin Gopaul and Fabrice Vincent)
Bronze : Sunil Sumoreeah in head-to-head competition; Salim Sookharry in precision shooting; Doublette Gentlemen (Stephano Sylvio-Ravin Gopaul); Ladies Doubles (Pamela Wong-Francesse Teycheney)