Leonardo Anastácio selected as flag bearer for Team Portugal at Taranto 2026

Leonardo Anastácio, captain of the Portugal national handball team, has been selected as a flag bearer for the opening ceremony of the Taranto 2026 Mediterranean Games. He will lead the Portuguese delegation alongside Olympic shooter Inês Barros at the Iacovone Stadium in Italy.

The Portuguese mission consists of 168 athletes, supported by officials and coaches. Mission Chief João Rodrigues noted that while the team includes decorated athletes such as swimmer Camila Rebelo, cyclist Rafael Reis, João Coelho, and Leandro Ramos, the primary goal is to use the games as a competitive platform and a way to inspire newer athletes.

Portugal aims to maintain its competitive presence in the Mediterranean region, following previous performances where the nation secured 24 and 25 medals in the 2018 and 2022 editions, respectively. The games are scheduled to run until September 3.