Cuban Judokas Aim for Santo Domingo 2026 Qualification in Panama

Havana, March 21 (ACN) Fifteen Cuban judokas will compete this Sunday in Panama, seeking qualification for the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo 2026. The tournament marks a critical opportunity for the team, as they did not participate in the three previous qualifying events.

Key Athletes to Watch

The Panamanian Senior Central American and Caribbean Cup, hosted at the Vasco Núñez Convention Center, Ubic Hotel Panamá, will feature competition in all 14 men’s and women’s divisions. Leading the Cuban charge are Andy Granda (over 100 kg) and Iván Felipe Silva (100 kg).

Among the men, Jonathan Charón (60 kg) is a standout performer, having recently achieved a fifth-place finish at the Grand Slam of Judo in Paris 2026. He secured victories against France’s Luka Mkheidze and Japan’s Ryuju Nagayama, a current world champion and Olympic medalist.

The men’s team also includes Orlando Polanco (66 kg), Marlón Herrera (73 kg), Rubén Romero (81 kg), Naysdel Cardoso and Amado Montes de Oca (90 kg).

On the women’s side, Maylín del Toro (63 kg) and Dayanara Curbelo (+78 kg) are expected to be strong contenders. They will be supported by Yainet Coronado (48kg), Dali Sentmanat (52kg), Lian Benavides (57kg), Anisleydis Lopez (70kg) and Lianet Cardona (78kg).

Tournament Schedule and Future Plans

The competition will be held in a single day format. Following the Panama event, the Cuban team plans to compete in further qualifying tournaments in Guatemala on March 28 and at the Senior Pan American Championship in Panama on April 18.

“We also plan to compete with a similar purpose of getting points in the qualifiers in Guatemala, on March 28, and the Senior Pan American Championship on April 18 in Panama.”

Antonio Becali, Cuban Judo Coach

Importance of Qualification

Coach Antonio Becali emphasized the importance of these upcoming tournaments, stating that achieving fine results is crucial given the team’s absence from the previous three qualifying events. Judo is considered a promising sport for Cuba to secure medals at the Santo Domingo 2026 Games.

FAQ

• When is the tournament in Panama? This Sunday, March 22, 2026.
• What games are the judokas qualifying for? The Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo 2026.
• Who are some of the key Cuban judokas competing? Andy Granda, Iván Felipe Silva, and Jonathan Charón.

Did you realize? Jonathan Charón recently defeated a world champion and Olympic medalist, Ryuju Nagayama, in Paris.

The Cuban judo team faces a demanding schedule, but their dedication and talent position them well for success in their quest to represent Cuba at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo 2026.