The traditional Parade of Nations featured athletes from 26 countries, led by Greece. Croatia was sixth in the procession, while the host nation brought up the rear with the Games’ largest delegation, comprising 498 athletes.
Croatia, making its ninth appearance under its own flag, was represented by flagbearers Nives Jelovica (boules) and Ivan Šapina (taekwondo).
At the Mediterranean Games in Taranto, Italy, taking place from 21 August to 3 September, Croatia will be represented by 111 athletes across 22 predominantly individual sports. The men’s 3x3 basketball team is the country’s only representative in a team sport.
On the first day of competition, Saturday, Croatian athletes will take to the field in badminton, boules, boxing, wrestling, canoeing, padel, swimming, shooting and taekwondo.
More than 4,000 athletes from 26 countries across three continents – Europe, Asia and Africa – will compete at the Games in southern Italy.