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The Cuban delegation has so far accumulated four gold medals, two silver, and four bronze at the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción 2025, results that place it in ninth position in the medal standings as the event enters its critical phase before concluding on the 23rd.
After the inauguration on August 9, the titles were taken by Henry Heredia, Adel Gutiérrez, Leduar Suárez, and Roberto Carlos Paz (rowing, four pairs of short oars), Dayanara Curbelo (judo, +78 kg), Yoikel Goicochea (taekwondo, +80 kg), and Frank Abel Rosales (diving, one-meter springboard), according to the JIT site.
Meanwhile, the silver medals were brought home by Naysdel Cardoso (judo, 90 kg) and the mixed team in that discipline, while the bronzes were shared among rowing (eight with coxswain), archery (mixed recurve teams), judo (Lisrialis González, 78 kg), and taekwondo (Anaisel León, 67 kg).
Growth options
As the final week of competition approaches, Cuba still holds strong hopes of increasing its medal count, especially in wrestling, athletics, canoeing, and weightlifting. Additionally, several disciplines are just beginning their schedules, which opens up new possibilities for medals.
Among the notable achievements so far are the youth Olympic spots secured by Curbelo, Goicochea, and Rosales for Lima 2027, as well as the national record set by swimmer Lauren Estrada in the 100-meter backstroke (1:03.32).
It also highlights the return of Cuban archery to the continental podium after 14 years, thanks to the third-place finish of Elaimis García and Abhram Pérez.
Balance and historical comparison
Cuba has completed its participation in 14 sports and 88 events, with male, female, and mixed presence. In diving, Carlos Daniel Ramos and Bernaldo Arias will look to maintain their prominence in the individual platform, while javelin thrower Leikel Cabrera is among the strong contenders in athletics.
In the inaugural edition of Cali-Valle 2021, the island finished in fifth place, with 29 gold medals, 19 silver medals, and 22 bronze medals for a total of 70 medals. Now, the situation is more modest, but the delegation is confident in finishing Asunción 2025 with a respectable performance that reinforces the path toward greater commitments.
Several athletes left the delegation
Four Cuban athletes left the delegation in Paraguay, after completing their respective events. Three members of the rowing team and a handball player did not return to their hotels last Wednesday, and it was reported that they were in the process of seeking asylum.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Performance at the 2025 Junior Pan American Games in Asunción
What is Cuba's position in the medal standings of the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción 2025?
Cuba ranks ninth in the medal table with four gold medals, two silver, and four bronze, as the event enters its final stretch before concluding on August 23, 2025.
Which Cuban athletes have won gold medals in Asunción 2025?
The Cuban gold medalists include Henry Heredia, Adel Gutiérrez, Leduar Suárez, and Roberto Carlos Paz in rowing; Dayanara Curbelo in judo (+78 kg); Yoikel Goicochea in taekwondo (+80 kg); and Frank Abel Rosales in diving (one-meter springboard).
What challenges does Cuban sports face in international events?
Cuban sports face challenges such as athlete defections, lack of resources, limited infrastructure, and the pursuit of better opportunities abroad. This has affected the international standing of its top representatives and led to a decline in sports results.
What are Cuba's expectations for the closing of the 2025 Junior Pan American Games?
Cuba maintains aspirations to increase its medal harvest in disciplines such as wrestling, athletics, kayaking, and weightlifting. Additionally, several disciplines are just beginning their calendar, which opens up new possibilities for medals.
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