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The National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (Inder) rejected what it described as "discriminatory" treatment by the United States Government towards the Cuban delegation that will participate in the VI World Baseball Classic.
In an official statement published on the JIT site, the organization noted that the denial of visas for eight team members constitutes “the latest act of aggression against our people and their national sport”.
Visa denials
According to the statement, the decision by the U.S. government prevents the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation from presenting its team "under the same conditions as the other participating nations."
The Inder stated that the measure affects key areas of the overall functioning, including the lack of a pitching coach and other specialists whose work directly contributes to athletic performance.
"The objective is to deliberately hinder and damage the participation and performance of the Cuba team," the statement notes.
The organization also stated that, since January 2025, visa denials have been issued to Cuban athletes and federation officials for events in U.S. territory.
Political statements
The statement accuses Washington of making a decision with a "clearly political character" and of using its status as host to put Cuba at a disadvantage.
It also suggests that the measure could be aimed at provoking a potential resignation by Cuba to participate in the event under those conditions.
The Inder acknowledged the efforts of Major League Baseball (MLB) and the tournament organizers to facilitate the attendance of the Cuban team, but insisted that the U.S. government has created obstacles since the beginning of the process.
Historical reference
In the text, the institution recalled the so-called "epic of Cerro Pelado" in 1966, when—according to the official version—the United States sought to prevent Cuba's participation in the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
"Today we will return to the Puerto Rican island and the other venues of the VI World Baseball Classic with our Cultural Heritage, which is baseball," concludes the statement.
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