When Algerian siblings Koceila and Tanina Mammeri take the court at Paris 2024, they will be on familiar turf, for they were both born and raised in France.

Born to an Algerian father and French mother, Koceila and Tanina have dual citizenship. Given their intimacy with Paris, the Mammeris are thrilled to be at their home Olympics.

“My family and friends will be in Paris, so it’s like home. And we have both nationalities, so it will be special for us. I’m very happy to play for Algeria in my home city,” said Koceila, who was born in Chambery, some 572 km from Paris. He currently trains at the IMBC92 club near Paris, while his sister, who was born in Courcouronnes near Paris, has been based in Strasbourg in eastern France over the last four years.

The Mammeris qualified as Africa’s top-ranked pair at No.47 on the Race to Paris. African champions in mixed doubles four years in succession, the siblings entered their first Super 1000 tournament at the Indonesia Open, before heading back for their final preparatory stint in France.

“I was a bit stressed because it was my first Super 1000 and in Indonesia. But it was nice to play in this arena for the first time,” said Tanina.

Koceila is the most successful player at the African Championships, with 12 titles – six in men’s doubles (with Youcef Sabri Medel) and six in mixed doubles (two with Linda Mazri and four with Tanina). The Indonesia Open, which served as one of their final preparatory tournaments before the Olympics, saw the Algerians give a good account of themselves in both events.

“It was our first time at the Indonesia Open, it was great to play this tournament,” said Koceila. “Maybe next time we’ll get one game or a match.

“We came here to get some experience, because in Paris we’ll play strong pairs. So for us coming here was about playing the top 10, top 20 pairs. It’s not our level, so we need to play those against those teams to prepare.

“When we play those pairs, it’s very fast. We are not used to playing at this speed, so it’s good for us, especially in defence. Even if we are in good position in attack, the shuttle comes back very fast, so we are not used to it. It’s a good way to improve our game.”

What’s it like for the siblings to qualify in what is essentially their home Olympics?

“It will be special to play the Olympics as brother and sister,” said Tanina. “It’s better to play with my brother than with another person. It depends on the day but it’s more pleasant.

“It’s a dream for every player to qualify and play at the Olympics. So we’re very happy and we’ll hope for a good experience and good matches.”