The Mediterranean Games
The Mediterranean Games is a multi-sport event held every four years for nations bordering the Mediterranean Sea, where the continents Europe, Africa and Asia meet. The Mediterranean Games are organized by the International Olympic Committee and the Hellenic Olympic Committee.
opening ceremony at the 1963 Mediterranean GamesDuring the 1948 Summer Olympics, the idea of having the Mediterranean Games was proposed by the chairman of the Egyptian Olympic Committee, Muhammed Tasher Pasha. The Games were inaugurated in October 1951 and held in Alexandria, Egypt.
The first 10 Mediterranean Games took place every year preceding the Summer Olympics, but in 1993, they were changed to be held the year following the Olympics, and from 2018 onwards, has been held two years afterwards.
Currently, 26 nations participate in the games - 5 from Africa, 2 from Asia and 19 from Europe. Of all the National Olympic Committees within the Olympic Movement bordering the Mediterranean Sea, only Israel is not allowed to participate in the Games. Some other countries that do not border the Mediterranean Sea also participate like Andorra, San Marino, Serbia and North Macedonia. In 2022, one athlete represented Vatican City in a non-scoring manner.
The 2026 Mediterranean Games will be held in the city of Taranto in Italy. See all host cities.
The progam includes most Olympics sports. Padel has been added for the 2026 Games.
individual sports
athletics,
badminton,
bowls,
canoe / kayak,
rowing,
cycling,
equestrian,
gymnastics,
judo,
karate,
wrestling,
swimming,
finswimming,
padel,
fencing,
skateboarding,
weightlifting,
taekwondo,
tennis,
table tennis,
shooting,
archery,
triathlon,
sailing.
team sports
basket 3x3,
football,
handball,
volleyball,
waterpolo.
The 2030 Games are planned for Pristina, Kosovo, with sailing events in Durrës, Albania.
Related Pages
- Mediterranean Beach Games — a multisport event consisting of only water sports and beach sports, held every 4 years since 2015.
- Other International Multi-Events
- Multi-Sport Events (Games) Calendar
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