Madagascan athletes to participate in Beijing Olympics

ANTANANARIVO, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Madagascan athletes are set to participate in the Beijing Olympic Games, sports officials confirmed here on Saturday.

Preparations were now in full swing for the selected Madagascan athletes, Ratsimbazafy Jean Louis, Director of Sport and Cultures under the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Leisures, told Xinhua.

Madagasca will compete in athletics and boxing in the Beijing Games. Jean de Dieu Soloniaina Razanadrakoto will compete in boxing with Berlioz Andriamihaja in athletes.

Commenting on disruptions of the Olympic torch relay by Tibetan separatists, Jean Louis said politics should not be mixed with sport and it was the stance of the Madagascan government.