Unlike the many instances where politicians occupy sports positions across Africa, seasoned sports administrator Siteny Randrianasoloniaiko is eyeing the top seat in the Madagascar government.
Siteny who doubles as President of Madagascar Olympic Committee and President of the African Judo Union is one of the leading candidates for the November 16th Presidential election in the Indian Ocean country.
The 51-year-old has been at the helm of the continent’s Judo union since May 2021 and he successfully hosted the African Judo Championship in the Malagasy capital city of Antananarivo in 2017 and 2020.
Before his adventure into sports administration, Siteny competed in Madagascar colours as a judoka and won awards during his professional fighting career.
There are 12 other candidates vying to become the President of Madagascar but incumbent Andry Rajoelina poses a huge threat to Siteny’s ambition.
Interestingly, President Rajoelina was recently awarded the rank of 6th Dan in Karate and he might be fit enough to stand Siteny’s physical strength from judo in next month’s polls.
