Africa-Press – Mauritius. The National Sports Awards 2025, an initiative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports, championing and rewarding outstanding achievements and excellence in the field of sports over the past year, were held last night at the Côte d’Or National Sports Complex.
The event honouring athletes, teams, and coaches who have distinguished themselves through exceptional performances and commitment to their respective disciplines was attended by the Prime Minister, Dr Navinchandra Ramgoolam.
The Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Paul Raymond Bérenger; the Minister of Youth and Sports, Mr Darmarajen Nagalingum; the Junior Minister of Youth and Sports, Mrs Eileen Karen Lee Chin Foo Kune-Bacha; as well as other Ministers and Junior Ministers, Members of the National Assembly, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and athletes accompanied by their family members were also present.
In his keynote address, the Prime Minister described the National Sports Awards as a powerful symbol of national appreciation for athletes who bring honour to Mauritius through sustained effort and sacrifice. He highlighted the remarkable achievements of Mauritian athletes and para-athletes at continental and international levels in 2025, noting that their success reflects strong talent development despite the country’s limited size and resources.
Dr Ramgoolam reaffirmed Government’s support through structured assistance schemes, enhanced infrastructure and increased investment, while underlining the broader role of sports in youth empowerment, public health and social cohesion.
The Deputy Prime Minister, for his part, congratulated the award recipients and paid tribute to the collective efforts of athletes, coaches, sports federations and the Olympic Committee. He stressed the importance of unity and partnership between Government institutions and sports bodies in strengthening the national sports ecosystem.
Emphasising the social dimension of sports, he highlighted its positive impact in promoting discipline, well-being and resilience among young people across Mauritius and Rodrigues.
Minister Nagalingum recalled that the ceremony celebrates not only sporting achievements but also the values that define excellence, including discipline, perseverance, integrity and commitment. He acknowledged the unseen sacrifices made by athletes and their support networks and reiterated Government’s determination to modernise the sports sector through improved governance, ethical standards and sustained investment in both grassroots and high-performance sports.
The Minister encouraged athletes to continue striving for excellence and to serve as inspiring role models for future generations.
Award Recipients – National Sports Awards 2025
• Most Outstanding Performance of the Year:
Kimberly Le Court de Billot-Pienaar (Cycling) – Trophy and a cheque of Rs 200,000
• Sportsman of the Year 2025:
Dookee Adil (Jujitsu) – Trophy and a cheque of Rs 150,000
• Sportswoman of the Year 2025:
Kimberly Le Court de Billot-Pienaar – Trophy and a cheque of Rs 150,000
• Sportsman of the Year – Handisports:
Philippe Yovani (Para-athletics – Mental) – Trophy and a cheque of Rs 150,000
• Sportswoman of the Year – Handisports:
Noemi Alphonse (Physical) – Trophy and a cheque of Rs 150,000
• Lifetime Sports Achievement Awards:
Mr Vivian Gungaram and Mrs Myrna Lapierre
• Sports Photographer of the Year:
Kadrewvel Pillay Vythilingum – L’Express
• Junior Sportsman of the Year 2025:
Douce Lucas Laval Matteo (Badminton) – Trophy and a cheque of Rs 100,000
• Junior Sportswoman of the Year 2025:
Begue Marie Onorine (Judo) – Trophy and a cheque of Rs 100,000
• Team of the Year – Individual Sports:
National Cycling Mixed Team (Senior) – Trophy and a cheque of Rs 100,000
• Team of the Year – Team Sports:
National Volleyball Boys Team (Under-18) – Trophy and a cheque of Rs 100,000
• Coach of the Year – Individual Sports:
Mr Jean-Marie Bhaugeerathee – Trophy and a cheque of Rs 75,000
• Coach of the Year – Team Sports:
Collet Anielle (Football Girls Team Under-18) – Trophy and a cheque of Rs 75,000
• Most Promising Sportsman of the Year:
Tristan Hardy (Cycling) – Trophy and a cheque of Rs 75,000
• Most Promising Sportswoman of the Year:
How Hong Elsa (Badminton) – Trophy and a cheque of Rs 75,000
