Cyprus makes record-breaking appearance at 20th Mediterranean Games in Taranto

The 20th Mediterranean Games are officially underway in Taranto, Italy, running from August 21 to September 3, 2026. The Cyprus Olympic Committee has sent its largest delegation in history, consisting of 145 athletes across 24 sports federations, marking the country's 12th participation in the multi-sport event. For the first time, Cyprus is competing in handball, equestrianism, padel, and fin swimming.

The games began on August 21 with canoe-kayak events held at the SWAM military base. Cypriot athletes Antonis Kyriakou, Daniel Sirotin, Savia Kyriaki Hadjiharalambous, and Panayia Evangelou participated in the qualifiers, with Hadjiharalambous qualifying directly for the final after finishing first in the 500m kayak heat. Other disciplines represented include cycling, where six athletes will compete in time trials and road races, and shooting, with ten athletes participating in skeet, trap, and air gun events.

Historically, Cyprus has participated in the Mediterranean Games since 1983, when it sent four athletes to Casablanca. Since that inaugural appearance, track and field has remained the country’s most successful discipline in terms of medal accumulation. Current events in Taranto are scheduled to conclude on September 3, with ongoing competition across various venues as athletes aim for podium finishes.