Taranto Games: National Delegation Aims for Top Ten
Algeria's national elite is striving to achieve a top ten ranking among participating countries at the Mediterranean Games, currently underway in Taranto, Italy, until September 3. This objective is set with a focus on securing at least three gold medals, leveraging strong prospects in disciplines where Algeria has historically excelled, including athletics, artistic gymnastics, and karate-do. The national team is competing with a championship mindset, especially in sports where Algeria is strongly positioned for titles.
The Algerian delegation boasts promising athletes across various events. In athletics, the 17-member squad includes Djamel Sedjati, a bronze medalist in the 800-meter race at the Paris 2024 Olympics and a world runner-up in his specialty. Yasser Triki, an experienced triple jumper, recently set a new national record of 17.67 meters in the Doha Diamond League and secured third place, confirming his ability to compete with top international contenders. Artistic gymnastics is also a focal point, featuring Olympic and world champion Kaylia Nemour, who is regarded as a significant figure in Algerian sports globally. Nemour is anticipated to secure multiple medals, with strong potential for gold in several disciplines, following a successful season where she led the national team to remarkable results at the 2026 African Championship.
Recent successes have already contributed to Algeria's medal tally and top ten aspirations. Judoka Idriss Massoud Radouane clinched a gold medal in the men's 73-kilogram category, defeating his Moroccan counterpart Hassan Doukkali in the final. This marks Radouane's second gold at the Mediterranean Games, adding to his multiple African titles. Furthermore, the national Under-21 football team secured a historic spot in the final after a penalty shootout victory against Morocco (4-3), following a 1-1 draw. This achievement guarantees the team at least a silver medal, marking their first final appearance in 33 years, and they are now aiming to emulate the gold medal success achieved in Algiers in 1975.
