Algeria is set to participate in the 20th Mediterranean Games, which will take place in Taranto, Italy. The North African nation is preparing its delegation for the multi-sport event, aiming to continue its athletic presence in the regional competition. Zoubeida Bouyaakoub will lead the Algerian delegation, guiding the athletes and support staff throughout the games. The event in Taranto marks another significant international engagement for Algerian sports, building on previous participations in the Mediterranean Games.
A Large and Diverse Delegation
Algeria's delegation for the 20th Mediterranean Games comprises 248 athletes, with 151 men and 97 women representing the nation. The average age of the athletes is 24.7 years. Algerian competitors are slated to participate across 27 specializations during the event in Taranto.
In athletics, 17 athletes will compete, including two women. Shooting will feature 17 athletes, six of whom are women. Wrestling is represented by 14 athletes, with five women among them. Boxing has a contingent of 12 boxers, six of whom are women. Judo will include 12 athletes, four of them women. Gymnastics will see 12 athletes participate, with six women in the discipline. Fencing is represented by 11 athletes, including five women, while karate will have 10 athletes, four of whom are women.
Historical Performance and Ambitions
Algeria expects to secure medals predominantly in individual disciplines, including athletics, gymnastics, and boxing, according to official projections. The nation's participation in Taranto marks its 16th appearance at the Mediterranean Games. Historically, Algeria has accumulated a total of 293 medals since its inaugural participation in Tunis in 1967. This tally comprises 86 gold, 76 silver, and 131 bronze medals. The previous edition of the Mediterranean Games took place in Oran in 2022.
Logistics and Opening Ceremony
Fencer Zahra Kahali and volleyball player Mohamed Walid Abi Ayad will carry the national flag during the opening ceremony of the 20th Mediterranean Games. Algerian athletes will reside on two ships docked at a military base in Taranto for the duration of the event. An air bridge, featuring six round-trip charter flights, has been arranged to transport the Algerian delegation. The first flight for the athletes and support staff is scheduled for August 19, facilitating their arrival in Italy.
Broader Context and Expectations
Algeria's delegation includes eight athletes in rowing, badminton, cycling, and bocce, with three women in rowing and bocce, and four women in badminton and cycling. Canoe Kayak will feature seven athletes, including three women, while table tennis will have six. Five athletes are competing in swimming. Raffa and taekwondo will each have four athletes, including two women in both disciplines. Weightlifting and roller/skateboarding each include three athletes. Algeria will also participate in four team sports.
Team Sports and Future Outlook
The 20th Mediterranean Games are scheduled from August 21 to September 3. Algeria’s goal in Taranto is to continue the momentum from Oran and solidify the nation's position among top Mediterranean nations. Algeria's best performance historically occurred at Oran-2022, where the country won 53 medals, including 20 gold, 17 silver, and 16 bronze, securing fourth place overall. For team sports, the men's and women's handball teams comprise 28 athletes. The men's and women's volleyball teams include 24 athletes. Additionally, the men's and women's 3x3 basketball teams consist of 17 athletes, and the U21 men's national football team is made up of 18 players.