Herenciano Mario Iniesta García-Navas has been crowned champion in the cadet category of the FIP Promises Mafra II 2026, the international tournament of young paddle promises held from October 15 to 18 in Mafra (Portugal). He achieved this alongside Víctor Berrocal from Cáceres, and also made it to the semifinals of the junior under-18 category over the weekend.
The keys to Mario Iniesta’s title in Mafra in 20 seconds
- Mario Iniesta and Víctor Berrocal win the cadet category of the FIP Promises Mafra II 2026.
- The tournament took place from October 15 to 18 in Mafra (Portugal).
- Mario also reached the semifinals in the junior under-18 category.
- This comes after finishing among the top four pairs in Vilamoura in May.
The FIP Promises is the circuit of the International Paddle Federation (FIP) reserved for youth categories, where young players compete to make their way in this sport and gain experience against opponents from other countries. Winning one of their tournaments outside of Spain is a significant step for any player of that age.
Cadet champions after several closely contested matches
The most notable result of the weekend came in the cadet category. Mario Iniesta and Víctor Berrocal, a player from Cáceres, emerged victorious in the field after facing several demanding matches against opponents of high level, where every point required them to maintain concentration and quick reactions.
The title rewards the work that Mario has been doing in his development as a player. Competing and winning outside of Spain also allows him to face different opponents than usual, adapt to other playing conditions, and continue to gain experience in the international circuit.
Also a semifinalist in the junior under-18 category
The success in Portugal did not stop at the cadet title. The young player from Herencia also reached the semifinals of the junior under-18 category, a competition of older age group, adding a second notable result in the same tournament.
For a player in development, competing in a higher category is a way to gain confidence, identify areas of improvement in their game, and get used to matches of greater physical and tactical demand.
A continuing trajectory of growth
This is not the first time that Mario Iniesta’s name has appeared on the pages of herencia.net. In September 2025, he was selected to represent Castilla-La Mancha in the Spanish Paddle Championships, and in May of this year he finished among the top four pairs in the International Vilamoura Paddle Tournament, also in Portugal, a result that boosted his international ranking.
The title in Mafra confirms this progression and establishes him as one of the young promises in the sport of Herencia. In the youth categories, titles hold value, as does everything learned along the way: competing against high-level opponents, resolving tight matches, and traveling to international tournaments. His double achievement in Portugal is another step in that direction and great news for the sports scene in Herencia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Mario Iniesta win in Mafra?
The title in the cadet category of the FIP Promises Mafra II 2026, alongside Víctor Berrocal, as well as reaching the semifinals in the junior under-18 category.
When and where was the tournament held?
From October 15 to 18, 2026, in Mafra, Portugal.
What is the FIP Promises circuit?
It is the circuit of the International Paddle Federation for young players in training categories.
What other results has Mario Iniesta achieved?
He was selected in 2025 to represent Castilla-La Mancha in the Spanish Paddle Championships and finished among the top four pairs in the International Vilamoura Paddle Tournament in May 2026.
Sources:
Spanish post in Mario Iniesta, campeón cadete del FIP Promises de Mafra
