Pécs, Hungary – Maia Freire and Xulia Otero delivered a golden finish for Spain at the Multi Alarm Youth International badminton tournament, securing the gold medal in women’s doubles on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The victory caps off a strong showing for the Spanish team at the competition held in Pécs, Hungary.
The young Spanish pair overcame Slovenia’s Sara Bregar and Mila Vrhovnik in a tightly contested final, winning 21-19 and 22-20. The match demanded composure from both sides, with the Spanish duo demonstrating resilience in crucial moments of both sets, effectively managing key points to secure the win. This triumph underscores the rising talent within Spanish badminton’s developmental system.
Otero, in particular, had a standout tournament, earning a total of three medals. In addition to the gold in women’s doubles with Freire, she as well claimed bronze medals in both women’s singles and mixed doubles, partnering with Álvaro Gómez. This multi-medal performance highlights Otero’s versatility and skill.
The bronze medal in women’s singles came after a strong run to the semi-finals, where Otero faced a tough opponent in England’s Mutiara Mandala, falling 19-21 and 17-21 in a competitive match. The mixed doubles bronze was secured alongside Gómez, reaching the semi-finals before a three-set loss to the English pairing of Danish Pattanayak and Mutiara Mandala.
Spain’s success wasn’t limited to the medalists. Pedro Carmona and Maia Freire reached the quarter-finals in mixed doubles, whereas Pablo Lloreda and Fernando Pérez advanced to the round of 16 in men’s doubles. These results demonstrate the growing depth of talent within Spanish badminton.
The Spanish delegation finished the tournament with one gold and two bronze medals, a positive outcome that reflects the competitive level and progress of its young talents on the international circuit. The performance in Pécs signals a promising future for Spanish badminton, particularly with the continued development of players like Freire, Otero, and Gómez.
The success of Freire and Otero is particularly noteworthy as they represent the CTD (Centro de Tecnificación Deportiva) of Galicia, a regional high-performance sports center. Their achievement underscores the effectiveness of the Galician badminton program in nurturing young talent.
This victory comes as Spanish badminton continues to gain recognition on the international stage. The Multi Alarm Youth International serves as a crucial platform for emerging players, and Spain’s strong showing in Hungary bodes well for future competitions. For fans following the sport, it’s a clear indication of a program on the rise.
The tournament in Pécs provided valuable experience for the young Spanish players as they navigate the challenges of international competition. The ability to perform under pressure and secure victories against strong opponents will undoubtedly contribute to their continued growth and development.
Looking ahead, the Spanish badminton team will undoubtedly build on this momentum as they prepare for upcoming tournaments and challenges. The success of Freire and Otero, along with the strong performances of their teammates, provides a solid foundation for future achievements.
The next scheduled competition for the Spanish national team has not yet been announced, but updates will be available through Badminton Spain’s official channels. Fans can follow Badminton Spain on X (formerly Twitter) and their official website for the latest news and information.
