Cuban Judo Duo Aim for Gold at Santo Domingo Games
Havana, Cuba – Judokas Orlando Polanco and Jonathan Charón are poised to represent Cuba at the upcoming Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, with their sights set on securing gold medals for the national delegation.
Polanco’s Pursuit of a Repeat Title
Orlando Polanco, representing Havana, delivered the best performance by a Cuban judoka last year, finishing in 5th place at the World Championships. He is also the current champion in the 66 kg category at the Central American and Caribbean Games. Polanco expressed confidence in his preparation and determination to defend his title.
“That performance at the World Championships was exceptionally good; we had excellent preparation to face that strong event. I feel more confident than three years ago, so my goal is to repeat that title at the Central American Games.”
Charón’s Debut on the Regional Stage
Jonathan Charón, a 22-year-old from Guantánamo, has quickly become a prominent figure in Cuban judo. In 2025, his best result was a bronze medal at the Tbilisi Grand Slam in Georgia. He is now focused on qualifying for his first Central American and Caribbean Games.
“We are concentrating on the three qualifying events remaining to secure those spots for Santo Domingo. After that, I will give it my all on the mat to win the gold medal. I already know the rivals, especially the Mexican, but I shouldn’t discount the others because anyone can surprise you.”
Rising Stars in a Competitive Field
Charón, currently ranked 16th in the world in the -60 kg weight class, has demonstrated consistent performance, including a 5th-place finish at the Paris Grand Slam in February 2026. Polanco competes in the -66 kg division and is a Pan American Champion (2021, 2023).
Looking Ahead: Judo in the Caribbean
The XXV Central American and Caribbean Games, scheduled for July 24th to August 8th, present a significant opportunity for Cuba to maintain its leadership in the judo medal count. The team faces the challenge of integrating young talent while aiming to match or surpass their previous success of 13 medals (9 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze) from the 2023 San Salvador games.
Challenges and Opportunities for Cuban Judo
While Cuba aims for a similar performance to San Salvador 2023 (4 gold and 2 silver medals in men’s divisions), several divisions will feature less experienced athletes. The team will be looking to capitalize on the strengths of established competitors like Polanco and Charón while nurturing the next generation of judo stars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When and where are the Central American and Caribbean Games taking place?
A: The games are scheduled for July 24th to August 8th in Santo Domingo.
Q: What are Orlando Polanco’s recent achievements?
A: Polanco finished 5th at the 2025 World Championships and is the current Central American and Caribbean Games champion in the 66 kg category.
Q: What is Jonathan Charón’s current ranking?
A: Charón is currently ranked 16th in the world in the -60 kg weight class as of March 19, 2026.
Q: What are the key challenges facing the Cuban judo team?
A: Integrating less experienced athletes into key divisions while maintaining a high medal count.
Did you know? Jonathan Charón is only 22 years old and has already achieved a 5th-place finish at the Paris Grand Slam.
Pro Tip: Follow the International Judo Federation website (https://www.ijf.org/) for the latest updates on rankings and competition schedules.
Stay tuned for further updates on the Cuban judo team’s preparations for the Central American and Caribbean Games. Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
