Wrestler Fergat Claims First Gold for Algeria at Taranto Games

Algerian wrestler Abdelkarim Fergat achieved a significant milestone for his nation, securing the first gold medal at the Mediterranean Games Taranto 2026. Competing in the 60 kg Greco-Roman wrestling category, Fergat decisively defeated Egyptian opponent Mohamed Saad with a score of 10-1 in the final match on Sunday. His dominant performance throughout the bout, maintaining a clear advantage and even withstanding a VAR challenge, confirmed his title and marked Algeria's inaugural gold in the competition.

This golden achievement follows taekwondo athlete Nadhir Harbi's initial bronze medal, which marked Algeria's first podium finish at the Games in the less than 58 kg category. After three days of intense competition in Taranto, the Algerian delegation has amassed a total of six medals. The current tally includes one gold, one silver, and four bronze medals, positioning Algeria provisionally in 12th place on the overall medal table.

Beyond Fergat's gold and Harbi's bronze, Algerian wrestlers have further contributed to the medal haul, with Fayçal Benfredj earning a silver in the 67 kg category, and Bachir Sid Azara (87 kg) and Fadi Rouabah (97 kg) both securing bronze medals in Greco-Roman wrestling. Additionally, the mixed doubles badminton team, comprising Koceila Mammeri and Tanina Mammeri, added another bronze to the national count. These early successes highlight the strong performance of individual sports within the Algerian delegation, with more disciplines yet to enter critical stages as the Games continue.