President Buonfiglio Meets EOC Leader Capralos at the “Giulio Onesti” Olympic Training Centre
- CONI
Luciano Buonfiglio, President of the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI), today welcomed Spyros Capralos, President of the European Olympic Committees (EOC), to the “Giulio Onesti” Olympic Training Centre in Rome. The Greek official is in the Italian capital for the meeting of the EOC Executive Committee, which brings together the National Olympic Committees of the continent.
Also in attendance was Carlo Mornati, who serves as both General Secretary of CONI and General Secretary of the EOC.
For Buonfiglio, elected to lead CONI last June, this marked his first official meeting with the head of the European Olympic body. The occasion provided an important opportunity to reaffirm Italy’s central role within the international Olympic landscape and to strengthen the longstanding dialogue with European leadership, facilitated by Mornati’s dual responsibilities. The discussions also looked ahead to major events on Italian soil, beginning with the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
IOC launches call for medal designs for Dakar 2026
- YOG
Creatives and Olympic fans now have the chance to leave their mark on Olympic history. A global call is open to shape one of the most meaningful symbols of the Games by designing the obverse side of the medal for the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games (YOG). The selected design will feature on the medals awarded to athletes who reach the podium in Senegal. Designs can be submitted from 2 September to 7 October 2025 through a dedicated platform on Olympics.com.
As well as being able to submit their designs from 2 September to 7 October 2025 through the dedicated platform on Olympics.com, candidates can also access a toolkit with design specifications, guidelines and rules. Entries will be judged on five criteria: creativity, originality, relevance to the YOG narrative, feasibility and the written description.
A jury featuring International Olympic Committee (IOC) Dakar 2026 Coordination Commission Chair Humphrey Kayange OLY; Gangwon 2024 medal design competition winner Dante Akira Uwai; Olympian Artist Annabel Eyres OLY; IOC Young Leaders Peniamina Percival OLY and Pragnya Mohan; IOC Young Reporters Yun Su Park and Yann Durand; and Dakar 2026 ambassador Elzo Jamdong, will review applications, rank designs and share their recommendation with the IOC Executive Board for validation.
The reverse of the medal will be developed by the Dakar 2026 Organising Committee and will incorporate Senegalese cultural elements alongside the YOG emblem.
“The transformative power of both art and sport”
The designer of the obverse of the Gangwon 2024 medal, Dante Akira Uwai (photo credit © IOC /Greg Martin), explained the impact that his participation in 2024 had on his life.
“A lot has changed since Gangwon. Many opportunities have opened up to me thanks to the medal design competition, especially for my career. But I think the most important change was actually internal. It was realising the transformative power of both art and sport”.
The opportunity to design the obverse of the medal was first introduced for the Singapore 2010 YOG, when Japan’s Setsuko Fukuzawa created the “Yes Youth Can” design. Since then, young designers from Slovakia, Romania, Indonesia, New Zealand and Brazil have seen their creations presented to athletes on the YOG podium. For Gangwon 2024, more than 3,000 entries from 120 countries were submitted, with Brazilian artist and architect Dante Akira Uwai selected for his design, “A Sparkling Future”.
“One thing that happened to me a lot when designing my medal was to visualise the athlete receiving it, What do I want them to feel? What do I want them to see? And when they are older and full of stories to tell, what memories should the medal bring back when they see it hanging on the wall?”
Looking back on Gangwon 2024, he added: “I think the most impactful memory was seeing the medal being awarded to an athlete for the very first time. I had imagined that scene for a whole year, and when it finally happened, it was a very, very emotional moment.”
The Dakar 2026 YOG will take place over two weeks from 31 October, bringing together the world’s best young athletes up to the age of 17. The Games will be held across three host sites: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly.
World Championships set to begin at Milan’s Idroscalo, Buonfiglio to attend opening ceremony
- CANOE SPRINT
All is set for the Canoe Sprint World Championships, which will bring around 1,400 athletes from 75 nations to the waters of Milan’s Idroscalo from Wednesday 20 to Sunday 24 August.
Twenty-four world titles will be contested, including all 16 Olympic events, in what marks the first global championship of the new Olympic cycle building towards Los Angeles 2028. The action will be formally launched on Tuesday 19 at 18:30 with the opening ceremony, attended by CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio.
For the Italian team, it promises to be five days of intense competition. The Azzurri squad (pictured, FICK) features 20 boats — 12 men’s and eight women’s crews. Wednesday’s programme is devoted entirely to heats across the 200m, 500m and 1000m distances, with further qualifying races continuing into Thursday, when the first semi-finals will also take place.
The opening finals, awarding medals over 200m and 500m, are scheduled for Friday 22 August. From the afternoon of Saturday 23, the focus turns exclusively to medal races, culminating with the 5000m events that will close the regatta on Sunday 24.
World Games: Degli Agostini takes silver in inline freestyle as Italy signs off with 57 medals
- CHENGDU 2025
The curtain has fallen on the World Games in Chengdu, China, with Italy celebrating one final flourish on the closing day.
Valerio Degli Agostini produced a standout performance in the men’s inline freestyle skating classic slalom, impressing the judges despite two penalties to slot onto the podium between a pair of home favourites. Zhang Hao struck gold, Degli Agostini claimed silver, and Wang Yuxuan completed the trio with bronze.
That result brought Italy’s final tally to 57 medals, good enough for fourth place in the overall standings, which also include para-sport events. Hosts China topped the table with 64 medals, followed by Germany and Ukraine.
Crescenzo and Rebagliati lead Italy into the World Games opener, flying start for inline hockey side and promising signs from the archers
- CHENGDU 2025
Music, colour, flags, lights, fireworks and plenty of emotion: the curtain has officially risen on the 12th edition of the World Games, staged at the striking Tianfu International Conference Centre in Chengdu, China.
The modern, eye-catching venue set the scene for a celebration marking the return of the multi-sport showcase to Asia, two decades on from Akita 2001 and Kaohsiung 2009. This year’s Games bring together athletes from across the globe, spread across 34 sports, 60 disciplines and 256 medal events. The host city, Chengdu, is a vast metropolis of over 20 million people in south-west China, capital of Sichuan province.
Italy’s delegation was fronted by flagbearers Angelo Crescenzo (karate) and Chiara Rebagliati (archery), who led the Azzurri into the arena. The team arrives with momentum after a strong showing at the last edition in the United States, where Italy captured 13 medals (three gold, six silver and four bronze), and with ambitions to once again be among the main players in emerging sports.
Early results suggest they are on track. The inline hockey national side opened their Group B campaign in emphatic style, sweeping aside Argentina 9–0. Emanuele Ferrari struck twice, with further goals from Davide Dal Sasso, Alessio Lettera, Matteo Barsanti, Pietro Ederle, Giacomo Masiero, Francesco Campulla and Lorenzo Campulla. France and the Czech Republic complete the group.
There were also encouraging signs in the archery compound ranking round — a discipline due to make its Olympic debut in Los Angeles 2028. Marco Bruno posted 709 points to finish seventh in the men’s field, while Elisa Roner scored 694 to place 13th among the women. Their combined efforts leave Italy fifth in the mixed team standings heading into the knockout phase.
Milano Cortina 2026: expanded governance, Buonfiglio joins the Board of Directors
- SPORTS DECREE
With just six months to go until the next Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina 2026, the Italian National Olympic Committee (CONI) warmly welcomes the approval of the Decreto Sport (Sports Decree) by Parliament. The Law Decree 96/2025 includes — among other provisions — a key article that makes a significant contribution to strengthening the operational governance of the Milano Cortina 2026 Foundation.
Specifically, the number of members on the Foundation’s Board of Directors has been expanded to a maximum of 18, with up to 9 members appointed by the sporting sector. This development enables CONI, at its next National Executive Board meeting scheduled for 9 September, to appoint — in accordance with Article 35 of the Olympic Charter — the CONI President, Luciano Buonfiglio, as an ex officio member of the Board.
"I would like to thank Minister Abodi for skilfully resolving what had become a rather tangled situation," said President Buonfiglio. "It could have caused serious functional issues in these final months leading up to the Games. Thanks to this decree, the Milano Cortina Organising Committee will now benefit from a streamlined appointment process for the sporting representatives, which we will ratify at the next Executive Board meeting. I look forward to joining my colleagues and continuing this extraordinary journey towards the Games together".
Italy sets new record: 50 podium finishes and top spot in the medal table. See you in Lignano Sabbiadoro in two years
- EYOF SKOPJE 2025
A record-breaking 50 podium finishes and a third consecutive triumph in the overall medal table—after successes in Banská Bystrica 2022 and Maribor 2023—marked the conclusion of Italy Team’s outstanding campaign at the 18th Summer Edition of the European Youth Olympic Festival in Skopje. The final medal tally stands at 19 golds, 19 silvers and 12 bronzes. For the first time, North Macedonia played host to the EYOF, passing the baton to Lignano Sabbiadoro, which will stage the next edition from 24 July to 1 August 2027—22 years after hosting the 2005 Games.
The athletics programme wrapped up with three more podiums for the Azzurri. In the morning session, the women’s sprint medley relay—comprising Alessia Succo, Margherita Castellani, Laura Frattaroli and Kelly Ann Maevane Doualla Edimo (with Isabella Pastore having featured in the semi-final)—secured gold in 2:04.57, ahead of Switzerland and Poland. Caterina Caligiana claimed bronze in the women’s 800 metres, clocking 2:05.07 behind Switzerland’s Von Fluee (2:03.18) and Germany’s Weimann (2:04.36). In the afternoon, Matteo Sorci capped off the decathlon in triumphant style: the young Umbrian took gold with 7,605 points, with France’s Trochain and Switzerland’s Bruegger completing the podium.
Artistic gymnastics also brought home three medals from the final day of competition. Italy celebrated a one-two finish in the horizontal bar (photo: Ferraro/FGI), with Pietro Mazzola striking gold (13.200, dedicating the win to Lorenzo Bonicelli) and Ivan Rigon taking silver (13.000). The 17-year-old from Padua also earned a second silver in the parallel bars with a score of 13.233—sharing the podium with Switzerland’s Schumacher, while gold went to Britain’s Chowdhury.
Volleyball rounded off Italy’s medal count with two more podium finishes. The girls narrowly missed gold, falling 3-1 in the final to Turkey despite a strong start (15-25, 25-19, 25-17, 26-24). The boys secured bronze after a thrilling 3-2 win over Slovenia (25-19, 22-25, 27-29, 25-22, 15-9), with Gioele Costa leading the way with 25 points.
This evening’s closing ceremony—broadcast live at 8:30 p.m. on ItaliaTeamTV—will feature final addresses from EYOF 2025 Organising Committee President Daniel Dimevski, European Olympic Committees President Spyros Capralos, and Laura Giorgi, Mayor of Lignano Sabbiadoro, which will host the 2027 Festival.
Italy’s flagbearers for the closing ceremony will be rising sprint star Kelly Doualla, the new U18 European record holder and third fastest Italian woman ever over 100 metres, and swimmer Francesco Cecconi, who concluded the Festival with four gold medals and one silver.
IOC President Coventry writes to Buonfiglio: “Congratulations on your election. I would be honoured to meet you in Lausanne”
- CONI-IOC
IOC President Kirsty Coventry has congratulated Luciano Buonfiglio on his election as President of CONI. In a letter addressed to Buonfiglio, the head of the global Olympic movement extended her “sincerest congratulations” and “best wishes for a successful term”.
“The IOC looks forward to continuing its fruitful collaboration with your National Olympic Committee,” wrote President Coventry. “We stand ready to support you and your team in promoting the work of your NOC and supporting your athletes, particularly in the lead-up to and during the upcoming Olympic Games”.
Coventry reaffirmed the vital role of National Olympic Committees, noting that they “play a fundamental role both within their countries and in the Olympic Movement as a whole”. She added: “We count on your personal commitment to uphold the Olympic Charter and to promote Olympic values”.
The IOC President, who succeeded Thomas Bach in March and officially took office on 24 June, also thanked Buonfiglio for his message of congratulations. “Your kind words of encouragement and warm wishes mean a great deal to me as I take on this important respons.ibility,” she wrote, “and they remind me of the incredible community that makes the Olympic Movement so special”.
The letter concluded with the hope of meeting in person and an official invitation to Lausanne: “I would be honoured to welcome you to Olympic House this September,” President Coventry wrote.
President Mattarella praises the women’s national football team: “You’ve honoured the shirt and the country”
- AT THE QUIRINALE
President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella welcomed the Italian women’s national football team to the Quirinale following their impressive run to the semi-finals of the ongoing European Championship in Switzerland. The ceremony, held in the Hall of Mirrors, gathered the players – who returned to Italy on Wednesday after their extra-time defeat to England – alongside FIGC President Gabriele Gravina, CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio, head coach Andrea Soncin and the entire national team staff. Also in attendance was Minister for Sport and Youth, Andrea Abodi (photo by Roberto Di Tondo/CONI).
“Congratulations on how magnificently you played at this European Championship,” said President Mattarella. “And I don’t say that because someone told me to – I watched every match I could, given the timings. It’s been a remarkable journey. I had arranged to come to Basel to support you, but sometimes a sequence of unfortunate events prevents us from reaching the final. Still, you’ve earned your own trophy and written a beautiful chapter in Italian sport with high-level performances. I asked you to make this stop in your schedule so that I could thank you. You’ve done your country proud – wearing the shirt with honour. Sport is not just essential, it’s pioneering: athletes who rise to the top inspire boys, girls, and children through their example”.
“You’ve played a high-quality tournament and sent a message to Italian society,” the Head of State continued. “Women’s football must be supported and encouraged. Compared to six years ago, great progress has been made.” Mattarella also cited Article 3 of the Constitution, which enshrines equality and equal opportunities: “Throughout history, everything has always been harder for women – a situation that, fortunately, is improving. But much remains to be done. Sport sets an example: it strengthens and improves social relations. You’ve made an important contribution towards building a fairer and more aware nation”.
“One month on from my election, I never imagined I’d be here today – I’m honoured,” said CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio. “The women’s movement has sent a strong message to all of Italian sport. Over four million citizens followed the team’s journey: we are taking our ambition to be protagonists around the world, but we must never rest – we must keep working. There must always be a next goal – and now it’s qualifying for the World Cup and the Olympic Games. My compliments to Coach Soncin, who has built a great team”.
“President Mattarella is a true reference point for our entire movement,” noted FIGC President Gabriele Gravina. “These players represent sporting excellence and carry the pride of the Azzurre jersey. They embody the spirit of an Italy that never gives up. Their smiles and tears have touched the hearts of Italians everywhere. The national team is a role model, capable of inspiring future generations thanks to its strong identity and the guidance of a sensitive coach like Andrea Soncin”.
“There’s a lot of emotion and great pride,” said Italy head coach Andrea Soncin. “Although we came just short of reaching the final, that disappointment is giving way to the pride of having inspired millions of Italians. Throughout this tournament, we’ve carried out something of a cultural campaign – offering new perspectives to young girls who dream of playing football. We thank all of Italy for supporting us right to the end”.
During the ceremony, the players presented the Head of State with a jersey signed by the entire squad and inscribed “To our President,” as well as a piece created by a goldsmith artist from Abruzzo.
“We’re leaving with the awareness that we are worthy and can keep dreaming big,” said team captain Cristiana Girelli, addressing President Mattarella. “We wear more than just a shirt – we carry the hopes of all the girls who dream of making it. We are a group that has always fought and always risen again with pride. Sport isn’t just a game – it’s culture, education, and the future”.
La Nazionale femminile di calcio ricevuta al Quirinale
National Athletes’ Commission: Valentina Marchei appointed President, Federico Pellegrino and Vittorio Andrea Vaccaro named Vice Presidents
- CONI
The newly elected Board of the CONI National Athletes’ Commission held its first meeting today, both in person at the Sala Giunta and via remote connection, following the recent elections that designated the Commission’s representatives for the upcoming four-year term.
The session was opened with a greeting from CONI President Luciano Buonfiglio and a contribution from General Secretary Carlo Mornati, who joined remotely from Skopje, North Macedonia, where he is also attending the European Youth Olympic Festival in his role as General Secretary f the European Olympic Committees.
The first item on the agenda was the appointment of the Commission’s leadership: Valentina Marchei was named President, while Federico Pellegrino and Vittorio Andrea Vaccaro were appointed Vice Presidents.
Page 15 of 142