Nemour, Khelif Lead Algeria’s Medal Pursuit in Italy
Algeria's first sports delegation has arrived in Taranto, Italy, marking the nation's participation in the 20th Mediterranean Games. The multi-sport event, scheduled from August 21 to September 3, will see Algeria aiming for significant podium finishes. The delegation includes several prominent athletes, notably Olympic and world champion artistic gymnast Kaylia Nemour, world runner-up and Paris 2024 Olympic bronze medalist Djamel Sedjati in the 800-meter race, and Olympic boxing champion Imane Khelif. These athletes bring considerable strength to the Algerian contingent, particularly in sports like athletics, gymnastics, and boxing, which have historically been major sources of medals for Algeria in Mediterranean, continental, and international competitions.
Algeria places significant hopes on athletics, fielding a 17-member team that includes Djamel Sedjati and triple jumper Yasser Triki, who recently set a new national record of 17.67 meters. Sedjati's presence adds substantial value to the team, though his participation may be focused on the 4×400-meter relay due to other international commitments. In artistic gymnastics, the delegation is bolstered by Kaylia Nemour, who has become a symbol of Algerian sport globally. Following a strong season where she led the national team to notable results at the 2026 African Championship, Nemour is expected to compete for multiple gold medals, with Jenna Laroui also presenting a strong competitive presence.
Boxing also holds a special place in Algeria's participation, with the return of Olympic champion Imane Khelif, who previously secured a gold medal at the 2022 Oran Games. Khelif leads a 12-athlete boxing squad, combining seasoned experience with emerging talent. The Algerian Olympic Committee is also prioritizing swimming, with a national team, including Jawad Sayoud, undergoing intensive preparations to achieve strong results. In team sports, Algeria's largest contingents are in handball, with 28 participants including the women's national team, followed by volleyball with 24 participants, and football with 18 players. The national football team will compete in Group B alongside hosts Italy, Kosovo, and Albania, while the women's team faces Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.
Algeria is set to make a significant mark at this edition of the Mediterranean Games, with a substantial delegation reflecting its continuous support for the event. The Algerian official presence will be notable, and the National Television will provide live coverage of both the opening ceremony and the sporting competitions. This edition is expected to feature the largest number of sports in the event's history, further highlighting the scale and importance of Algeria's participation on the international stage.
