Algeria secured its first gold medal at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games as Abdelkrim Fergat dominated the Greco-Roman wrestling 60kg final. The result boosts Algeria's medal ambitions and sets a positive tone for the delegation.
Algeria opened its gold medal tally at the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games, with Abdelkrim Fergat delivering a commanding performance in the Greco-Roman wrestling 60kg category. Fergat overcame Egypt's Mahmoud Saad in the final, winning decisively with a 10-1 score. The result marks Algeria's first gold of the Games and reinforces the country's reputation in regional wrestling competitions.
Fergat's victory was never in doubt, as he controlled the match from the outset against a well-regarded Egyptian opponent. The nine-point margin underlines the technical gap and Algeria's continued strength in Greco-Roman wrestling, a discipline that has consistently produced podium finishes for the country at regional events. The win follows other recent individual successes for Algerian athletes, such as gymnast Kaylia Nemour's World Cup title in Baku.
Momentum for Algeria's Delegation
The early gold medal is seen as a catalyst within the Algerian camp, raising morale and potentially inspiring athletes across other disciplines. Delegation leaders note that an initial gold often creates positive momentum, encouraging further strong performances as the Games progress.
Boxing: Mixed Results and Key Quarterfinals Ahead
Algerian boxing also saw notable developments. Ismaïl Bekhsis advanced to the quarterfinals in the under-65kg category after a narrow points victory over Italy's David Fiore, despite a home crowd advantage for his opponent. In contrast, Mohamed Walid Allaoui exited the under-60kg competition after a 4-1 defeat to Italy's Michele Baldassi in the round of 16.
Looking ahead, three Algerian boxers-two women and one man-are set to compete directly in the quarterfinals on Monday, 24 August. Melissa Hamda will face Turkey's Ece Asud Ediz in the under-57kg category, Ichrak Chaïb meets France's Sthelyne Grosy in the under-60kg, and Youcef Islam Yaïche takes on Spain's Frank Bernard Martinez in the under-70kg. Victories at this stage would guarantee at least a bronze medal, as boxing awards two bronzes per weight class.
Algeria's Broader Medal Strategy
The Algerian boxing federation has entered ten athletes, evenly split between men and women, reflecting a strategic push in both divisions. The competition is intense, with strong teams from Italy, France, Turkey, and Spain. Alongside the athletes already in action, the squad includes Amine Zanaz and Mustapha Abdou among the men, and Fatiha Mansouri, Douaa Rouaz, and Djouher Benane among the women. The delegation's ambitions are set against a backdrop of a busy year for Algerian sport, including the national football team's World Cup campaign and other international successes.
With Fergat's gold secured, Algeria's delegation approaches the remainder of the Taranto Games with renewed confidence and a focus on expanding its medal count across multiple sports.
