Sporting and Benfica Dominate Portuguese Indoor Athletics Championships
The Sporting CP and SL Benfica clubs are locked in a fierce battle for supremacy at the Portuguese National Indoor Athletics Championships in Braga. Sporting currently leads in both the men’s and women’s competitions after the first day, setting the stage for a thrilling final day of competition on Sunday, February 15, 2026.
Sporting’s Strong Start
Sporting has demonstrated a commanding performance, securing eight victories in 13 events. This includes a new Portuguese record in the men’s long jump, achieved by Gerson Baldé with a leap of 8.32 meters, surpassing Carlos Calado’s 24-year-old record. Paulo Reis, Sporting’s technical director, expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, noting their “stratospheric level” in the men’s events and highlighting victories in the 400m and 60m races.
In the women’s competition, Sporting holds a significant lead with 49 points, six points ahead of Associação Jardim da Serra (AJS) and 13 points ahead of Benfica. Reis emphasized the team’s ability to manage their athletes effectively, allowing opportunities for less-frequent competitors to participate.
Benfica’s Pursuit and Youth Strategy
Even as trailing Sporting in the women’s competition, Benfica remains determined to challenge for the title. Ana Oliveira, Benfica’s technical coordinator, acknowledged the team’s youthfulness, particularly in the women’s division. Despite being at a disadvantage, she affirmed that Benfica “never works for second place” and will fight to retain the men’s title.
Oliveira explained that Benfica is currently focused on developing young talent, viewing the championships as an opportunity for these athletes to gain experience and build a foundation for future success. She noted that some athletes are relatively new to the sport and this competition provides valuable exposure and motivation.
Current Standings and Championship Outlook
The men’s competition remains closer, with Sporting leading Benfica by a narrow margin of three points (46/43). Benfica is aiming for their 14th overall title, while Sporting seeks to reclaim the championship they have won 19 times previously. In the women’s competition, Sporting aims to continue their dominance, having won 29 of the 32 previous editions.
Auriol Dongmo, a record-holder and world champion, too contributed to Sporting’s success with a dominant performance in the shot put, achieving a throw of 19.15 meters. Other notable victories for Sporting included Sofia Lavreshina in the 400m and Beatriz Castelhano in the 60m, setting a national under-23 record.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the significance of the Portuguese National Indoor Athletics Championships? This competition is the most important national-level team event in indoor athletics in Portugal.
- Who is currently leading the championships? Sporting CP is currently leading in both the men’s and women’s competitions.
- What record was broken at the championships? Gerson Baldé broke the Portuguese record in the men’s long jump with a leap of 8.32 meters.
- What is Benfica’s strategy for the competition? Benfica is focusing on developing young talent and aims to compete for the men’s title.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on Gerson Baldé’s performance – his record-breaking jump signals a potential rise in Portuguese long jump talent.
Stay tuned for updates from the final day of the championships as Sporting and Benfica battle for national glory!
