One of the most inspiring moments from the 2025 ITTF African Youth Championships in Lagos came from a 12-year-old boy from Madagascar, Rakotovao Andriamihaja, who took everyone by surprise with a bold and fearless performance.
Despite being the youngest in the boys’ U-19 category, Rakotovao faced Nigeria’s Matthew Kuti one of the tournament favourites head-on. Although the match ended 3-1 in favour of Kuti, it wasn’t about the loss; it was about how Rakotovao played.
From the very first serve, the young Madagascan showed unbelievable energy and courage. Standing much smaller in size next to the taller and more experienced 14-year-old Kuti, Rakotovao didn’t back down. Shockingly, he snatched the first set from Kuti something no one saw coming and the crowd at Molade
