Rs 1.5 Million Prize Caps 5-Sport Mauritian Athlete Honours Ceremony

Mauritian international sports stars, including world champion para-athlete Noemi Alphonse, were lavishly rewarded on Wednesday, December 10, in Port Louis for their recent outstanding performances, with cash prizes reaching Rs 1.5 million. Para-athletes, cyclists, and badminton players were recognised for their efforts and sacrifices in a ceremony organised by the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The event saw Para-athlete Alphonse, the double 100m T54 world champion, receive a cheque for the top prize of Rs 1.5 million.

Cash Prizes and Ministerial Focus

Fellow para-athlete Anaïs Angeline, the T37 long jump silver medallist, was awarded Rs 1 million.

The revised, slightly increased cash prizes also recognised their coaches: Jean-Marie Bhugeerathee received Rs 540,000, and Nicolas Angeline received Rs 360,000.

The ceremony was attended by Sports Minister Deven Nagalingum and Deputy Minister Karen Foo Kune-Bacha, along with key figures from the Mauritian sports world.

Delegation Crackdown

Minister Nagalingum used the platform to call for an end to unnecessary sporting delegations, noting that the number of accompanying officers and officials sometimes outnumbered the athletes at competitions.

“Sportspeople need support, yes, but everyone must earn their place. It’s not about joining a delegation without a valid reason while someone who truly needs to be there is left out,” he stated, stressing that work should be for the future of the youth rather than personal gain.

The Minister emphasised the importance of support and supervision, asserting that athletes must be valued so that others follow their example.

“I deeply believe in this youth who possess enormous potential. They are the future,” he added.

Encouragement for the Next Generation

Deputy Minister Karen Foo Kune-Bacha praised the athletes for raising the Mauritian flag (“quadricolor”) and inspiring the nation, especially young people.

She encouraged them to continue striving for their dreams, aiming higher, and remaining a source of pride for Mauritius.

She acknowledged the “work, sacrifices, and talent” transformed into results, reminding the athletes that success is often a long and challenging journey.

The Deputy Minister also highlighted the essential role played by coaches, federations, and the “indispensable” support of parents in an athlete’s development.

Other Key Winners

• Cycling: Kimberley Le Court de Billot-Pienaar, winner of the Giro dell’Emilia in Italy, and Alexandre Mayer, winner of the Grand Prix Chantal Biya in Cameroon, both received Rs 100,000. Kimberley Le Court’s coach, Jeroen Swart, received Rs 40,000.
• Badminton: Mathieu Leo Douce received Rs 39,000. Rishab Koolomuth and Chavi Ramlagan were each awarded Rs 16,000. Divyana Sawaram, Ember Leefye, Yashveer Rambaran, Shreyans Ramkalawon, Mokshita Sookuram, and T. Ragavaloo each received Rs 8,000. Their coach, Zuel Alexis, was awarded Rs 6,000.

Source: Le Mauricien