Cuban Delegation of 506 Athletes Ready for Santo Domingo 2026

The delegation that will represent Cuba at the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games. To be held in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. It will consist of 506 athletes, a figure that surpasses the 494 who attended the previous Games in San Salvador in 2023.

This achievement comes despite a context of severe economic and logistical limitations. Exacerbated by the US embargo, which has directly impacted the preparation of Cuban athletes.

Also this was announced on Wednesday by José Antonio Miranda. Director General of High Performance at the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER). During the television program Mesa Redonda. Which was dedicated to reporting on the preparations, composition, and objectives of the Cuban delegation for the regional competition.

Miranda emphasized that the current Olympic cycle, now in its second year. It has been “an unprecedented challenge for Cuban sport. Considering the complexity and the context in which the preparation has taken place.”

He added that the country’s economic conditions, coupled with the impact of the blockade, have affected vital areas. Such as air transportation, food, athlete recovery, energy supply, and the acquisition of recovery products and specialized clothing.

Given this situation, INDER has drawn on experiences from previous cycles. Such as those implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic for the Tokyo Games. It has implemented a methodological and logistical restructuring.

“The first major achievement,” he stated, “is having qualified 506 athletes in 37 sports and 43 disciplines. Surpassing the delegation from San Salvador 2023.” This result, he emphasized, is all the more valuable given the circumstances under which it was achieved.

Moreover the Cuban delegation’s objectives for Santo Domingo 2026 remain aligned with the four-year plan: to finish among the top three countries in the medal count. To assess their athletic potential with an eye toward Los Angeles 2028 and the 2032 cycle. And to secure as many direct qualifications as possible for the Pan American Games. In this edition, 19 sports will offer berths for Lima.

The Games will open on July 24th, although some disciplines, such as water polo, will begin on the 20th. Meaning the first contingents will travel starting on the 19th. The closing ceremony is schedule for August 8th. The program includes 501 events—45 more than in El Salvador—and 56 sports. Distributed across five main venues, with the Olympic Center as the central stage.

The 506 athletes represent all provinces of the country and 103 municipalities. Cuba will be present in 72.3% of the scheduled events (362 out of 501).

With information from Cubadebate

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