In an intense day held this Thursday, the athletes who obtained their ticket for the Taekwondo tournament of the Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026 were defined, after reaching the semifinals in their respective categories within the framework of the qualifier held in the Fencing Pavilion of the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center.
The contest stood out for the solid performance of figures with extensive experience and medals in the Olympic cycle.
Dominican competitors have secured their places for the regional event due to their status as the venue for the multi-sport event, but starting this Friday they will begin their participation in the Dominican Open, a tournament that awards points for the world ranking.
Unstoppable International Figures
The Mexican delegation reaffirmed its hierarchy in the region. The triple world medalist and current heavyweight benchmark, Carlos Sansores (+87kg), advanced with authority after winning by RSC (referee suspends combat) in the first round.
Likewise, the Guadalajara 2022 world champion, Leslie Soltero (-67kg), and the world medalist Daniela Souza (-49kg), secured their classification, demonstrating why they are the favorites for the Central American podium.
Colombia and Puerto Rico also made use of their international experience.
Miguel Trejos (COL), the gold medalist in the Pan American Games, advanced confidently in the -80kg category, while Andrea Ramírez (COL), the experienced Olympic athlete and world medalist, secured her place in the -49kg.
On his side, Brandon Ramos, from Puerto Rico, leads his group in the -54kg to seal his classification.
Results by Category
In men, the advances of Yohandri Granado (VEN) in -63kg stand out; Jhon Deivi Garrido (COL), in -68kg and Gabriel González (WT) in -87kg.
In women, in addition to the Mexican figures, Isuangelis Soto (PUR) in -62kg, Fabiola Villegas (MEX) in -57kg and Nadia Ferreira (MEX) in -53kg achieved their pass.
Kelvin Cruz, Minister of Sports and Recreation, led the opening ceremony along with Miguel Camacho, José P. Monegro, Luis Chanlatte, Oscar Maldonado and other sports leaders.
The opening ceremony
Prior to the start of the fights on the first day and with the participation of more than 850 athletes from various nations, the Taekwondo Qualifier for the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026 was officially inaugurated this Thursday.
The ceremony, held in the Fencing Pavilion, marked the beginning of a historic day that will define 164 tickets for the 2026 regional event.
The opening ceremony was presided over by the country’s highest sports authorities and the leaders of the Pan American Taekwondo Union, who highlighted the importance of this event for the strategic positioning of the Dominican Republic on the international stage.
During his speech, the Minister of Sports, Kelvin Cruz, emphasized that the organization of this event is an example of the advance planning that characterizes current sports management, highlighting its importance for the ranking towards the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
For his part, Miguel Camacho, president of the Dominican Taekwondo Federation (Fedotae), highlighted the competitive quality of the tournament, which brings together Olympic champions and world medalists.
Camacho emphasized that the Dominican delegation is in a solid preparation process not only for this qualifier, but also with an eye toward the success of the upcoming multidisciplinary games.
The general secretary of the Pan American Taekwondo Union (PATU), Chilean Mario Mandel Vaisman, highlighted the country’s organizational excellence, stating that this event is a pillar for regional development.
“Santo Domingo reaffirms its position as a top-level venue; the massive participation of more than 30 nations reflects the confidence and technical growth that we are promoting throughout the continent,” said the international leader.
For his part, the president of the Organizing Committee of the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games, José P. Monegro, emphasized that events of this magnitude are the preamble to the great legacy that will remain for the Dominican Republic.
Luisín Mejía, president of Centro Caribe Sports, also spoke at the event.
The opening ceremony was also attended by the president of Croesus (Creating Olympic Dreams), Felipe Vicini; Luis Chanlate, general secretary of the Dominican Olympic Committee; presidents of national sports federations, international taekwondo leaders, among others.
