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The Cuban judoka Jonathan Delgado, a member of the delegation competing in the II Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, Paraguay, left the team last Friday, according to the page on Facebook Del-pí Al-pá.
Delgado, from the over 100 kilogram category, completed his entire competitive schedule before deciding to escape, joining four other Cuban athletes who also defected in recent days.
Delgado made his debut in the quarter-finals, where he was surpassed by the Dominican José Miguel Brache, but he managed to advance to the repechage round, in which he was defeated by the American Kanta Ueyama. After being eliminated from medal contention and before his return to the Island, he chose to escape from the delegation's custody.
His decision follows the same path as three rowers —Robert Landy Fernández, Félix Puente Batista, and Keiler Ávila Núñez— and the handball player Suannet de la Caridad Nápoles, who defected last Wednesday after winning a bronze medal in their respective disciplines.
According to 14ymedio, the president of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (Inder), Osvaldo Vento Montiller, reported the escape to the Tenth Police Station in Asunción, although the Paraguayan police have not been able to locate any of the athletes.
So far, none of the athletes have formally requested asylum, although it is expected that they will begin proceedings before the National Commission of Stateless Persons and Refugees (Conare).
Frequently Asked Questions About the Defection of Cuban Athletes in International Events
Why did the Cuban judoka Jonathan Delgado leave the delegation in Paraguay?
Jonathan Delgado decided to leave the delegation after completing his competitive participation in the II Junior Pan American Games in Paraguay. His decision seems to align with a pattern of desertions by Cuban athletes in search of better opportunities outside the island, due to the precarious conditions and lack of freedoms they face in Cuba.
How many Cuban athletes have defected at the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción 2025?
So far, five Cuban athletes have defected during the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción 2025. In addition to Jonathan Delgado, three rowers and a handball player decided not to return to Cuba and are in the process of seeking asylum in Paraguay.
What is the procedure for athletes who defect to apply for asylum?
Defectors must present themselves to the National Refugee Commission in the country where they are located to begin a formal asylum application. This process generally consists of several stages, including admission as an asylum seeker, case investigation, and the final resolution regarding their refugee status.
What risks do Cuban athletes face when they decide to defect during international competitions?
Cuban athletes who defect face the possibility of reprisals from the Cuban regime, including a ban on returning to the country and social marginalization. Additionally, they must deal with the migratory uncertainty in the destination country while processing their asylum applications. However, many view this decision as an opportunity to start a new life with greater freedoms and opportunities for personal and professional development.
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