**Cyprus Padel Team Set for Historic Mediterranean Games Debut**
Cyprus is poised to make a significant mark in the world of sports as it prepares for its inaugural participation in padel at the Mediterranean Games ‘Taranto 26’. This event, taking place in Italy, will be a historic moment for the nation, as it is the first time padel has been included in the country's delegation for the Games.
The Cyprus Olympic Committee has confirmed that padel, a racquet sport that combines elements of tennis and squash, falls under the jurisdiction of the Cyprus Tennis Federation. Despite being one of the newest sports in Cyprus, padel has quickly gained international acclaim and popularity, reflecting a growing trend across Europe and beyond.
Dimitris Leontis, president of the Cyprus Padel Federation, expressed his enthusiasm for the team's debut. He highlighted the team's aspirations to deliver strong performances, especially after their experience competing in a European championship. "We are excited to represent Cyprus in this sport at such a prestigious event," Leontis stated. "Our athletes have trained hard, and we hope to showcase their skills on this international stage."
The Cypriot padel team is composed of six talented athletes: Sergis Kyratzis, Christopher Koutrouzas, Petros Chrysochos, Giovanna Knezevic, Maria Siopacha, and Lena Savva. The team will compete in three categories: one men's team, one women's team, and one mixed team. The matches for the men's and women's teams are scheduled to commence on Saturday, August 22, with the mixed team set to play later that same day.
This participation is part of a broader representation by the Cyprus Tennis Federation, which will send a total of 11 athletes to the Mediterranean Games, marking its largest-ever presence at the event. The tennis contingent includes notable players such as Menelaos Efstathiou, Eleftherios Neos, Andreas Timini, Ralouka Serban, and Andrea Georgiou Papakyriakou.
Sergis Kyratzis, a member of the padel team and a former tennis champion, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to compete. He shared his hopes for a favorable draw in the matches and emphasized the potential for padel to grow further. "We are thankful for this chance to represent our country," Kyratzis said. "Padel is rapidly gaining traction worldwide, and we believe it has the potential to become an Olympic sport in the future."
As the Mediterranean Games approach, the excitement surrounding Cyprus's debut in padel continues to build. The event not only represents a milestone for the athletes involved but also highlights the increasing recognition and development of padel as a competitive sport in Cyprus.
With the Mediterranean Games set to showcase a variety of sports, the inclusion of padel underscores the evolving landscape of athletic competition in the region. As the Cypriot team prepares for their matches, they carry with them the hopes and support of their nation, aiming to make a lasting impression in their first appearance on this prominent international stage.