Greece wins double gold at Balkan Youth Table Tennis Championships

In a landmark achievement for Greek table tennis, the national teams clinched double gold in both the U15 and U19 team events at the Balkan Youth Championships, held on home soil in Orestiada.

On Wednesday, June 25, Greece’s girls’ team (U19) secured the first gold, overpowering Turkey 3-0 in the final and finishing the tournament with a flawless six-match winning streak. Later that evening, the boys’ team (U15) triumphed in a thrilling 3-2 comeback against Bulgaria, avenging their earlier group-stage loss.

This marks the first time in tournament history that Greece has won two team golds in the same Balkan Championships. Previously, in 2023 (also in Orestiada), Greece secured silver (U19 boys) and bronze (U15 boys). This year’s success represents a major leap forward.

• Girls’ Team Makes History The U19 girls claimed Greece’s first-ever gold in the event, having previously reached finals in 1992 (Thessaloniki) and 2002 (Loutraki) without victory. Key players:

  • Christina Tzenidi (Thessaloniki)

  • Anna-Fanouria Mitka (Alexandroupoli)

  • Elpida Tasiou (Thessaloniki) Coach: Pavlos Telopoulos

• Boys’ Team Repeats 2008 Glory The U15 boys secured Greece’s second gold in the category, matching their 2008 win in Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Road to the Finals

• Girls’ Team:

  • Quarterfinals: Crushed North Macedonia 3-0 without dropping a set.

  • Semifinals: Overcame Bulgaria 3-1, with Tzenidi and Mitka delivering clutch performances.

• Boys’ Team:

  • Battled through a three-hour final against Bulgaria, turning the tables after a 3-1 group-stage loss.

The victories highlight Greece’s rising dominance in Balkan table tennis, with the girls’ team particularly impressive against Turkey (2023 European mixed-team champions) and traditional powerhouses like Romania.

Source: pagenews.gr