Cyprus to make Mediterranean Games debut in padel at Taranto 26
Cyprus will enter padel teams at the Taranto 26 Mediterranean Games, marking the sport’s first inclusion in its delegation.
Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus will make its Mediterranean Games debut in padel at Taranto 26, marking the first time the sport has been included in the country’s delegation for the event. The Cyprus Tennis Federation will send 11 athletes to the Games, its largest-ever participation.
Padel delegation
The Cyprus Olympic Committee said padel, which falls under the Cyprus Tennis Federation, is one of the newest sports in Cyprus and has already gained widespread international recognition.
The six-member padel team consists of Sergis Kyratzis, Christopher Koutrouzas, Petros Chrysochos, Giovanna Knezevic, Maria Siopacha and Lena Savva. Cyprus will field one men’s team, one women’s team and one mixed team.
Men’s and women’s matches will begin on Saturday, August 22, while the mixed team will play its first round later that afternoon.
Federation reaction
Cyprus Padel Federation president Dimitris Leontis welcomed the decision, saying the team hoped to perform strongly after previously competing at a European championship.
Kyratzis, a former tennis champion, said the team was grateful for the opportunity and hoped for a favourable draw. He also said he hoped padel, which is growing rapidly worldwide, would eventually become an Olympic sport.
Tennis team
The tennis team includes Menelaos Efstathiou, Eleftherios Neos, Andreas Timini, Ralouka Serban and Andrea Georgiou Papakyriakou.
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