Day 2 of the Individual Event
Accra, Ghana – Day 2 of the African Games 2023 witnessed a display of exceptional talent and determination, with a spotlight on the Mammeri siblings, Koceila and Tanina Violette Mammeri, the reigning champions and top seeds in Mixed Doubles from Algeria.
The Mammeri duo, currently positioned as the undisputed champions for several years, showcased their prowess in the Mixed Doubles Round of 32 against Chongo Ezra Mulenga and Matildah Kalandanya from Zambia. The Algerian siblings exhibited a masterful performance, securing a resounding victory with a scoreline of 21-7, 21-10.
Both Koceila and Tanina Violette Mammeri are integral members of the BCA Road to Paris Program, adding an extra layer of significance to their participation in the African Games 2023. Their remarkable journey extends beyond today’s triumph, as they were crowned African Champions just last month during the All Africa individual Senior Championship in Cairo, Egypt. The Mammeri siblings clinched victory into the finals against Egypt’s favorites, Adham Hatem Elgamal and Doha Hany, solidifying their status as dominant forces in African badminton.
Currently ranked 49th on the BWF World Ranking, the Mammeri siblings are not only focused on defending their title but also have their sights set on the ultimate goal – qualification for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Their closest rivals, Adham Hatem Elgamal and Doha Hany from Egypt, are ranked 61st, adding an extra layer of rivalry to this fierce competition.
In an exclusive interview with BCA TV, Koceila Mammeri shared his thoughts on the tournament, stating, “We are doing everything that we can in order to qualify for the Paris Olympics, and I really hope that we can achieve our ultimate goal. I am very thankful to form part in the Road to Paris Program from the BCA as it is helping a lot regarding our tournaments and accommodation. Without this valuable help, it would have been next to impossible to be in the run for an Olympic Qualification. On my side, I am trying to qualify in both doubles and Mixed doubles as I have good ranking points, but as we all know, in doubles, it is very difficult, and we have to stay alert at all times. This African Games is extremely important as it is among the last tournaments within the qualificative phase.”
Tanina Mammeri on her side added, “I am extremely grateful towards the BCA that my brother and I are recipient of the prestigious BCA Road to Paris 2024 Program as it is enabling us a lot to qualify to Paris. Furthermore, as many people might not know, it is not easy to enter the BCA Road to Paris program but to stay in it is another challenge that my brother and I decided to pursue. Till now we are tremendously happy to form part in such family as we are receiving all the support needed in our quest for Paris 2024. So far it has been a truly exciting experience as we had to be away from our home and family in order to realize our dream and make not only our country proud but also Africa.
“Our journey started the moment we started to play mixed doubles together at the All-Africa Championships few years back where we won our first title. It was at that moment where we saw our potential and realized that we can actually try our luck to qualify for the Mixed doubles. We didn’t know that while trying we would be African Champions for many times and now, we are literally behind the doors of the Olympic Games. Our ranking as at now is 49th and we hope that by the end of this African Games 2023, we shall climb some ranks. Our only advice to all aspiring Olympians and African Champions is to never give up. No matter what the outcome is during a match or training, you should always go back and work on your weaknesses so as to come back stronger. As they say – It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.”
As the Mammeri siblings continue their journey towards Olympic qualification, badminton enthusiasts are encouraged to stay tuned to BCA’s YouTube Channel and Facebook page for live coverage of the matches in Accra, Ghana. Day 3 promises more thrilling action, and with crucial points at stake, the intensity is set to rise as players aim to secure their spots on the podium.
For more detailed results, eager fans can visit this link below for a comprehensive overview of the event.
https://bwf.tournamentsoftware.com/tournament/72288455-f38d-4008-81ec-8126a94c5136/matches/20240308
Stay tuned for more exhilarating badminton action as the 13th edition of the African Games unfolds in Accra, Ghana
