With a tribute to the recently deceased Ronaldo Veitía Valdivié, creator of the greatest triumphs of Cuban judokas, and the awarding of the most outstanding athletes of the year, the gala was held in the men’s branch of that sport, which in 2022 obtained 26 podiums internationals, including Andy Granda’s World Champion, achieved in Tashkent 2022, in Uzbekistan, which earned him the nomination for athlete of the year in Cuba.
Their respective divisions dominated Milko Obregón (60 kilograms), Danilo García (66), Magdiel Estrada (73), Jorge Martínez (81), Blasdier Firth (90), Liéster Cardona (100) and Omar Cruz in more than 100 kilograms.
The two best exponents of this sport, Iván Silva (90) and Andy Granda (more than 100), did not compete to take a well-deserved rest, although they maintain their preparation, he told Granma Julio Alderete, head coach of the men’s squad.
The best fight was staged by Orlando Polanco and Maikel O’Connor, in the 66-kilogram division, decided in extra time in favor of the former, who was ultimately surpassed by the capital’s Danilo García, a young figure on the rise.
In the gala, which was attended by glories of Cuban judo in both sexes and sports authorities, disabled athletes of that sport were also awarded.
