Basque Pilota National Team to debut at World Championship

The Basque Pilota National Team is set to participate in the XX World Championship for the first time under its own official name. The tournament, organized by the International Basque Pilota Federation, will take place from October 15 to 24 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Colonia del Sacramento, Uruguay.

The selection includes 41 players from Araba, Bizkaia, and Gipuzkoa, competing across thirteen specialties. The squad features athletes such as Maia Goikoetxea, Elaia Gogenola, Maialen Aldazabal, Eneritz Lizardi, Eñaut Urreisti, Jon Ibarluzea, Aritz Erkiaga, and Ortzi Aldazabal. Additionally, Ander Bilbao will serve as the coach for the women's cesta-punta team.

Joxemari Mitxelena, president of the Basque Pilota Federation, noted that while winning gold medals will be challenging, the team is well-prepared. Ibone Bengoetxea, the first deputy president of the Basque Government, described the championship as a unique milestone for Basque athletes as they compete officially under their own identity.