Andorra's Liñán and Fortes Lead Parade at Taranto Mediterranean Games

Andorra's flag-bearers Naiara Liñán and Jon Fortes have begun competing at the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy, following their prominent roles in Friday's opening ceremony.

Liñán took to the mat first in taekwondo on Saturday from around 10:15am, positioning her as Andorra's earliest contender for a medal. Fortes followed shortly after at 11am in the pétanque precision shooting qualifiers.

The pair had led the Andorran delegation during the parade at Estadi Erasmo Iacovone, carrying the national tricolour at the front alongside athletes from other nations. Among the VIP attendees were Xavier Espot Miró, president of the Andorran Olympic Committee (COA), and Culture and Sports Minister Mònica Bonell.

Fortes, marking his second time as flag-bearer, described the honour as one he had experienced before but found special each time. Liñán called the moment emotional, stressing the significance of representing Andorra in such an international setting.

Espot Miró described the ceremony as filled with emotion and symbolism, emphasising the pride of seeing the nation's athletes march under their flag. He noted that the event signalled the official start of Andorra's campaign.

Bonell commended the nine-strong delegation as exemplars of the Principality's sporting ethos and role models for the youth. She extended best wishes for their performances.

The Games, a major multi-sport event for Mediterranean countries hosted this year in Taranto, will see Andorra's athletes in action across disciplines in the days ahead.