Risaralda’s Badminton Pride: Colombia’s 100% Risaraldense Delegation Shines at Pan Am 2026
Meet the Colombian Team Making History in Guatemala
Guatemala is currently hosting the Pan Am Women’s and Men’s Badminton Championships 2026, and Colombia has sent a delegation that’s making history. For the first time, the country is participating in both men’s and women’s events, and every single member of the team hails from Risaralda.
100% Risaraldense: A Source of Pride for Colombia
“It’s a total pride,” says Natalia Flórez, president of the Risaraldense Badminton League. “The delegation is 100% Risaraldense. All the athletes who attended from Colombia are from Risaralda.”
Leading the Way: Jerónimo and Juliana Giraldo
Leading the Colombian delegation are siblings Jerónimo and Juliana Giraldo. Juliana, the number one Colombian racket player, shares her excitement:
“It is a very important tournament, which gives points for the world ranking. It is the first time that Colombia participates in a men’s and women’s event, so expectations are very good.”
“Juliana Giraldo, number one Colombian racket player”
Jerónimo, meanwhile, is focused on securing points for the Youth Olympic Games qualification.
Coach William Gutiérrez: A Risaraldense at Heart
The team is coached by William Gutiérrez, another proud product of the Risaraldense Badminton League. “All of this has been thanks to the league, the parents, and us to be able to be here,” Juliana adds.
The Risaraldense Badminton League: Number One in Colombia
With this historic delegation, the Risaraldense Badminton League has solidified its status as the number one league in Colombia. The president, Natalia Flórez, emphasizes the league’s objectives:
“This delegation has the objective of adding many points for the world ranking, fundamental in the particular case of athletes with Olympic projection such as Jerónimo and Juliana Giraldo, as we also project ourselves to be great protagonists in the 2027 National Games.”
“Natalia Flórez, president of the Risaraldense Badminton League”
Risaralda’s Badminton Stars
The Colombian delegation consists of:
- Men’s team: Jerónimo Giraldo (captain), Juan Martinez, Juan Felipe Moreno, Enrique Rodriguez
- Women’s team: Juliana Castaño, Hanna Escallón, Juliana Giraldo (captain), Natalia Ochoa
- Coach: William Gutiérrez
Pro Tip: How to Follow the Action
Did you know?
You can follow the Pan Am Badminton Championships live on the official tournament website.
Looking Ahead: Risaralda’s Badminton Ambitions
With this impressive showing at the Pan Am Championships, Risaralda’s badminton scene is set to gain even more international recognition. The league’s goals are clear: gain world ranking points, secure Olympic qualifications, and dominate the 2027 National Games.
As Juliana Giraldo puts it, “Nothing, we hope we do very well.” And with a team like this, there’s no doubt that Risaralda’s badminton pride will continue to shine.
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