A country that lives sport in its own way
In Mauritius, sport is part of people’s daily lives, so if you want to feel the atmosphere? You don’t need a big stadium, just a ball, a yard, a path, a few mates and off you go. Whether it’s in an alleyway in Quatre-Bornes, on a dirt pitch in Triolet, or on the beach in Flic-en-Flac, the youngsters are always there. Because sport here is not just an activity. It is a vibe.
Football is king, as you would expect. But behind it, other sports are becoming increasingly popular: basketball, which is a fixture in the towns, badminton and swimming are becoming more and more popular, and combat sports like boxing and judo are revealing some real talent. Even other sports like table tennis and weightlifting have their own fans.
Young people with big dreams
What does sport mean to young people? Many say it is a hobby, but many say it is much more than that: it is hope. Some dream of joining a national team, of travelling, and I think the dream of all Mauritians is to represent Mauritius at regional or even world level. Nothing is lost: local clubs, enthusiastic coaches and sometimes good schooling help young people to progress. Some have already taken part in competitions such as the Island Games, while others have their sights set higher: the Olympic Games, the African Championships, the Commonwealth Games.
Real obstacles
But we are not going to pretend: there are obstacles. The infrastructure is not always top-notch, many clubs do not have good equipment, and above all, not all young people have very good coaching. Not to mention the problems that young people face, such as pressure from school and family. In spite of everything, they remain strong, they continue without stopping, they get up early, they train, sometimes alone, sometimes in groups, but always with determination.
More than a game: a bond
What makes sport unique in Mauritius is the human energy that surrounds it. Every improvised match is a moment of sharing. Every little tournament, every event. Even without a spotlight, the smiles, the effort, the encouragement from friends – it all creates an atmosphere that you cannot find anywhere else. It is a local sport, local to the neighbourhood, local to the heart.
The island that dreams while running
Sport in Mauritius is a mixture of simplicity and ambition. The fields may be modest, but the dreams are immense. Here, we play local, with passion.
In every shot, every jump, every fall… There is a bigger dream. Because even on a small island, dreams can go very far.
