With the 20th Mediterranean Games just around the corner, the Spanish national padel team has already set foot on Italian soil. Taranto is welcoming the national side, which, between 22 and 28 August, will be looking to make its mark at the Salinella Mediterranean Park – the venue where 19 countries from around the Mediterranean will compete for gold in padel’s historic debut as a medal sport.
In accordance with the rule limiting teams to a maximum of eight players — four men and four women — Spain will be competing for gold with a squad characterised by its experience and quality. Although the squad does not feature any players from the top of the world rankings, the Spanish Padel Federation (FEP) is pursuing a strategy that combines experience with the emergence of promising new talent.
The excitement is clear among the players. “I’m absolutely delighted to be part of the Spanish national team at these Mediterranean Games,” said David Gala on the FEP’s Instagram account. “Representing my country is always an honour, and even more so at these Games, where padel is also on the programme. Let’s hope we do really well and put Spain where it deserves to be.”
In the same vein, Patty Llaguno is approaching her debut at an event of this calibre with the utmost motivation: “I’m delighted to be part of the Spanish team for the Mediterranean Games. It will be my first time taking part in the Games, so I’m absolutely determined to make the most of this opportunity, give it my all, bond with the other athletes and learn as much as I can from this experience. Thank you to the captains for their trust, and let’s go for it.”
Competition timetable
The opening ceremony of the 20th Mediterranean Games will take place at 7.15 pm (Spanish mainland time) on 21 August. Padel will make its debut on 22 August at 10.00 am, but the Spanish team will not take to the court until 23 August, when they face a busy day of four matches: two men’s and two women’s.
