The Egyptian Olympic Committee, headed by Engineer Yasser Idris, announced the selection of Olympic champions Mohamed El-Sayed, fencer for the Egyptian national team, and Farida Osman, swimmer for the Egyptian national team, to carry the Egyptian flag during the opening ceremony of the 2026 Mediterranean Games in Taranto.
The 20th edition of the Mediterranean Games kicks off today, Friday, in the Italian city of Taranto.
The selection of the Egyptian duo is a recognition of their sporting careers and the achievements they have attained at both the continental and international levels, as they will carry the banner of Egypt at the opening of one of the most prominent sporting events bringing together the countries of the Mediterranean basin.
The opening ceremony of the Games is scheduled to take place at 8:00 PM at the Yacovone Stadium, with the attendance of delegations from participating countries, marking the start of the 20th edition of the Mediterranean Games.
The 2026 Mediterranean Games will continue until September 3rd next, with the participation of a large number of athletes from various participating countries, amid Egyptian aspirations to achieve distinguished results and win the maximum number of medals.
The Egyptian delegation will participate in a wide range of sports during the Games, including archery, athletics, badminton, 3x3 basketball, boxing, canoe and kayak, equestrian, fencing, aquatic sports (short course swimming), gymnastics, handball, judo, karate, padel, rowing, sailing, shooting, table tennis, volleyball, weightlifting, wrestling, fin swimming, and amateur sliding.
Egypt brings to Taranto a rich history of participation and achievements, ranking sixth among the countries with the most medals in the history of the Mediterranean Games, with a total of 620 medals, comprising 156 gold, 209 silver, and 255 bronze.
The Egyptian delegation looks forward to continuing this strong presence in the 20th edition and adding new medals to Egypt's tally, while Mohamed El-Sayed and Farida Osman raise the Egyptian flag in an opening moment that encapsulates the meaning of championship: champions carrying the banner, and an entire country awaiting a new achievement from them.
