Cuba to Host Trio of International Badminton Tournaments – Giraldilla Leads the Charge

Havana, Cuba – Cuba is preparing to welcome badminton athletes from around the globe for three international tournaments scheduled throughout March and the first week of April at the Ciudad Deportiva coliseum.

Tournament Schedule: A Month of Badminton Action

The action kicks off with the First International Youth Tournament in Havana, running from March 5th to the 8th, with technical meetings and training sessions slated for March 4th. This will be followed by the renowned Giraldilla tournament, a fixture on the international badminton calendar for over two decades, taking place between March 10th and 15th. The series will conclude with the inaugural Cuba International Series, from March 31st to April 5th.

Youth Tournament Sets the Stage

The First International Youth Tournament has already attracted competitors from Colombia, Paraguay, Bulgaria, and Honduras, alongside Cuba’s top youth players. This contest will award points for the world youth ranking, with a view to the world and Pan American championships for that age group, among other international events.”

The Giraldilla: A Tradition of Excellence

The traditional Giraldilla tournament will feature 54 players from 14 nations, including Canada, the United States, El Salvador, Venezuela, Mexico, the Cayman Islands, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Colombia, Paraguay, Bulgaria, and Portugal. The Giraldilla awards points towards both the universal adult world list and the qualifying process for the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo 2026.

Cuba International Series: A New Level of Competition

The newly established Cuba International Series promises to be the most competitive of the three events, attracting 60 players from 14 countries, some ranked within the top 70 globally. It’s very important, even of a higher level than the Giraldilla, and of the participants some are among the top 70 in the world ranking. It means a lot for our sport to enter this type of tournaments, which include cash prizes,” said José Daniel Baz Morán.

Like the Giraldilla, the Cuba International Series also contributes to the adult world ranking and serves as a key qualifying event for the Santo Domingo 2026 Games, concluding with the 29th edition of the individual Pan American Championship in Lima, Peru.

A Legacy of Passion and Competition

The Giraldilla, one of Havana’s most recognizable symbols, embodies a legacy of love and history. The statue, created by Jerónimo Martín Pinzón in the 17th century, commemorates the enduring devotion of Isabel de Bobadilla, who waited for her husband, Hernando de Soto, to return from an expedition to Florida.

FAQ

• When are the tournaments taking place? The tournaments are scheduled throughout March and the first week of April 2026.
• Where will the tournaments be held? All three tournaments will be held at the Ciudad Deportiva coliseum in Havana, Cuba.
• What is the Giraldilla tournament? The Giraldilla is a long-standing international badminton tournament in Havana, awarding points for world rankings and qualifying events.

These tournaments represent a significant opportunity for Cuba to showcase its growing presence in the international badminton community and provide a platform for athletes to compete at the highest level.

Stay tuned to 247sports.news for continued coverage of these exciting events!