12-year-old Madagascan shines in Lagos at ITTF African Youth Championships

On a day when the continent’s top young table tennis stars took to the floor in the 2025 ITTF African Youth Championships, a 12-year-old from Madagascar captured the spotlight with a performance that defied age, odds, and reputation.

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Rakotovao Andriamihaja, the youngest competitor in the boys’ U-19 category, delivered a fearless display against Nigeria’s Matthew Kuti, widely regarded as one of the tournament’s favourites, on the opening day of the event.

The result? A 1-3 loss. But the story was never about the scoreline.

From the first serve, Andriamihaja played with a kind of fire rarely seen in players his age.

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His diminutive frame stood in stark contrast to 14-year-old Kuti’s stature, yet the Madagascan refused to be intimidated.

In fact, he took the first set off Kuti; a stunning development that drew gasps, then applause, from the crowd inside the venue at the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall, Surulere, Lagos.

Every point Andriamihaja won was met with growing cheers. His teammates rose to their feet. Fans rallied behind him. It wasn’t just about the match anymore; it was about watching a young boy take his shot at a giant and hold his own with unshakable composure.

Despite Madagascar ultimately falling short in their opening group match of the boys’ U-19 event, Andriamihaja’s effort was undeniably the headline act.

For his spirited play and composure under pressure, he was named Player of the Day by the tournament organisers; an award that not only acknowledged his performance, but also symbolised the arrival of a new name on the African table tennis map.

“I’m happy because I got to play against Kuti, who is considered one of the best players in the tournament,” Andriamihaja said after the match, beaming with a mixture of joy and steely ambition. “Even though I lost, I’m proud because I know I can improve.”

The 12-year-old was quick to highlight the positives: “I think my smash and forehand were very good, and I believe I can do better. For this championship, I’m aiming to win a medal in the individual event and give my best.”

From a remote island to the continental stage

Andriamihaja’s journey is particularly compelling given Madagascar’s modest footprint in African table tennis. The island nation has yet to produce a continental champion at the youth level, but this emerging talent is already shifting expectations.

While countries like Egypt and Nigeria have long dominated the sport on the continent, performances like this remind the world that the next wave of African table tennis could come from anywhere.

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As the youth tournament concludes later today (Sunday), Rakotovao Andriamihaja has already etched his name into the tournament’s storyline; not as a champion (yet), but as a symbol of potential, belief, and the thrilling unpredictability of sport.

Whether or not he stands on the podium by the end of the day, one thing is certain: Africa will be watching him for years to come.