Τhe two major international badminton events that hosted in the region of Ilia, Greece, have concluded with great success and a high level of competition: the COMEBA AirBadminton Championships in Ancient Olympia and the COMEBA Cup in Pyrgos. Both events highlighted the sport’s growing momentum across the Mediterranean and demonstrated the region’s ability to host high-standard international sporting competitions.

The competitions were attended by the Secretary General of the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (ICMG), Iakovos Filippousis, who had the opportunity to witness first-hand the excellent organisational standards, the high level of competition and the outstanding performances of the participating athletes.

Mr Filippousis presented medals to the winners and congratulated the representatives of the Mediterranean Badminton Confederation (COMEBA) on the successful organisation of the events. He particularly highlighted the impressive participation of athletes from three different continents, which further enhanced the international profile and significance of the competitions.

In recognition of his contribution to the development of badminton, as well as his role in the successful and outstanding organisation of the recent Mediterranean Games in Taranto, COMEBA, through its President, Andoni Azurmendi Ibarrola, presented the ICMG Secretary General with an honorary plaque.

During his visit to Ilia, an official meeting also took place between Iakovos Filippousis and a delegation of COMEBA Board members at the facilities of the International Olympic Academy (IOA) in Ancient Olympia.

During the meeting, the decision to sign a Memorandum of Cooperation between the International Committee of the Mediterranean Games (ICMG) and COMEBA was announced. The agreement aims to further develop, promote and expand the reach of Badminton and AirBadminton throughout the Mediterranean region.

The COMEBA delegation attending the meeting included: Andoni Azurmendi Ibarrola, President; Ratko Galjer, Vice-President; Jo’ Anne Cassar, Secretary General; Mario Carulla Schultz, Treasurer; and Giannis Kapos, Board Member.

The Memorandum is expected to mark an important milestone in strengthening cooperation between the two organisations, creating new opportunities for athletes from Mediterranean countries and further promoting both sports, with a particular focus on young people and the development of sport across all Mediterranean nations.