Havana, Cuba – Athletes from Cienfuegos delivered a strong performance at the inaugural Havana International Youth Badminton Tournament 2026, securing two silver medals and three bronze medals at the Ciudad Deportiva Coliseum. The tournament, which concluded recently, featured competitors from Paraguay, Honduras, Colombia, Bulgaria, and Cuba.
The competition, for athletes under the age of 19, drew participants not only from the Cuban national team but also invited players from various provinces including Cienfuegos, Artemisa, Havana, Holguín, and Granma. The success of the Cienfuegos delegation highlights the growing strength of badminton within the province and across Cuba.
Thalía Roque, a member of the Cuban national team, was a key contributor to Cienfuegos’ success, earning two silver medals – one in singles and one in doubles. The Cienfuegos team also included five school-aged badminton players and one youth player, demonstrating a commitment to developing talent at all levels.
The bronze medals were claimed by María Karla Torres in the individual event, as well as by the men’s and women’s doubles teams representing Cienfuegos. This multi-medal haul underscores the depth of talent within the province’s badminton program.
This tournament served as a precursor to a larger badminton circuit in Havana. From March 14th to March 15th, the city will host the 24th edition of the Giraldilla de La Habana tournament, attracting approximately 40 players from 12 nations. The Giraldilla is a prestigious event on the international badminton calendar, offering ranking points for senior players.
Cienfuegos will again be represented at the Giraldilla, with three athletes from the national team, led by Roberto Carlos Herrera, and three additional players from the province. The participation of Cienfuegos athletes in both tournaments demonstrates the province’s dedication to the sport and its role in developing Cuba’s badminton future.
The youth tournament awarded points towards the world ranking for the under-19 category, whereas the Giraldilla will contribute to the universal ranking for senior players. Both events are also important preparation for the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo 2026. These competitions provide valuable experience and opportunities for Cuban athletes to improve their rankings and prepare for major international events.
For those following the sport, the Giraldilla de La Habana promises to be a thrilling event, showcasing some of the world’s top badminton talent. The continued success of athletes from Cienfuegos is a positive sign for the future of badminton in Cuba, and fans will be eager to observe how they perform on the international stage.
The Havana International Youth Badminton Tournament and the upcoming Giraldilla de La Habana are key events in the Cuban sporting calendar, attracting athletes and fans from across the region and beyond. The tournaments not only provide a platform for competition but also contribute to the development of the sport and the promotion of Cuba as a destination for international sporting events.
What’s next for the Cuban badminton team? All eyes are now on the Giraldilla de La Habana, where they will appear to build on the success of the recent youth tournament and make a strong showing against international competition. Fans can follow updates on the tournament through official channels and sports news outlets.
Share your thoughts on the Cienfuegos team’s performance and the upcoming Giraldilla in the comments below!
