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The Cuban judo delegation is preparing to face the World Championship in Budapest 2025, which will take place from June 11 to 19, with a team of nine athletes representing a blend of experience and youth.
At the helm of the group will be the world champion from Tashkent 2022, Andy Granda (+100 kg), who will be looking to reaffirm his status as the leader in the heaviest division. He will be accompanied by Jonathan Loynaz, a recent bronze medalist at the Pan American and Oceania Championships held in Santiago 2025, according to a report published on the official site JIT.
The young athletes Jonathan Charón (60 kg) and Orlando Polanco (66 kg) also stand out, having experience in world championships.
The men's roster is rounded out by the athlete from Pinar del Río, Zail Ramírez (100 kg), champion of the Pan American and Youth Oceania Championships in Lima, and qualified for the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in Asunción.
Absences and Female Bets
The team will feel the absence of the world runner-up from Baku 2018, Iván Silva (100 kg), who will not compete due to injury, as confirmed to JIT by national commissioner Andrés Taño.
In the women's category, veteran Maylín del Toro (63 kg) will lead a trio of debutants: Lianet Cardona (78 kg), Lisrialis González (78 kg), and Deyanara Curbelo (+78 kg).
The latter aims to establish itself in the senior division following the retirement of Idalys Ortiz, backed by her recent title at the Junior Pan American Championships, which secured her spot at the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción 2025.
Cuban judo, like much of the sport on the island, is not going through its best moment. Economic difficulties, lack of resources and infrastructure, and increasingly limited training have affected the performance and international projection of its main representatives.
This situation has forced the coaches to combine veteran judokas with younger athletes, many of whom lack the necessary experience to excel at high-level events like the Budapest World Championship.
Over the past few years, there have been numerous defections in both judo and other disciplines, reflecting the deep discontent that plagues Cuban sports. The lack of incentives, an uncertain future, and the precarious conditions for training and competing have led to athletes from various categories deciding to leave official delegations abroad, in search of better opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's participation in the 2025 Judo World Championship
How many judokas will represent Cuba at the 2025 World Championship in Budapest?
Cuba will compete with a team of nine judokas in the 2025 World Championship in Budapest, which includes both experienced athletes and young talents. The delegation consists of five men and four women.
Who are the main Cuban judokas to watch in this tournament?
The Cuban team will be led by Andy Granda (+100 kg), world champion of Tashkent 2022, and Jonathan Loynaz, recent bronze medalist at the Pan American and Oceania Championship 2025. The veteran Maylín del Toro (63 kg) also stands out in the women's division.
What impact do defections have on Cuban sports?
Desertions are a reflection of discontent in Cuban sports, due to a lack of incentives and the precariousness of training conditions. These departures are common during international competitions, as evidenced by recent cases in judo and other disciplines.
What obstacles does Cuban judo face today?
Cuban judo faces economic difficulties and a lack of resources, which has negatively impacted the performance and international projection of its athletes. The combination of veteran judokas with inexperienced youth is a strategy to mitigate these challenges.
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