Colima state has increased the number of athletes qualifying for the final stage of the 2026 National Olympics (Olimpiada Nacional Conade) in badminton, boxing, weightlifting, taekwondo, and rodeo, following national, regional, and state qualifying events. Alejandro Rodríguez Alvarado, Director General of the Colima Sports Institute (Incode), announced the expanded delegation.
The surge in qualified athletes underscores Colima’s growing presence in national sports. These athletes will compete across a diverse range of disciplines, showcasing the state’s commitment to developing talent in both individual and team sports. The upcoming National Olympics represent a significant opportunity for these athletes to compete at the highest level and represent Colima on a national stage.
Badminton: Montelón Ortega Leads the Way
In badminton, Alexa Montelón Ortega secured her spot in the singles competition within the Under-15 (2013–2012) women’s category. She earned her qualification during the national qualifier held in Guadalajara. Montelón Ortega will compete in Tlaxcala from April 16th to 21st. This qualification is a testament to the growing strength of badminton within Colima, and Montelón Ortega will be one to watch in the upcoming competition.
Boxing: Ruiz Castillo and Team Advance
The boxing team also saw success, with Kendra Ruiz Castillo qualifying in the junior category. Emiliano Torres Palacios and Misael Torres Salazar advanced in the youth category after competing in the regional event at the Code Alcalde in Guadalajara. The Olympic boxing stage is set for Tepic, Nayarit, from May 4th to 13th. These athletes have demonstrated dedication and skill, and their advancement to the national stage is a significant achievement for Colima boxing.
Weightlifting: Hernández Ríos and Campos Tapia Among Qualifiers
Weightlifting contributed significantly to the expanded delegation. Érika Hernández Ríos (58 kg) and Pedro Campos Tapia (79 kg) qualified in the Under-17 category, while Nubia Velázquez Arciniega (69 kg) and Ignacio Vicente Guanche Méndez (88 kg) qualified in the Under-23 category. The qualifying event took place in Irapuato, Guanajuato. The National Olympics weightlifting competition will be held from May 26th to June 2nd. This strong showing in weightlifting highlights the effectiveness of Colima’s training programs and the dedication of its athletes.
Taekwondo: Alamo Portillo and Team Secure Spots
Taekwondo athletes also achieved qualification. Matías Alamo Portillo (-74 kg, 2008-2006), Roberto Robles González (+65 kg), Romina Bautista Díaz (-47 kg, 2014-2012), and Emilia Saucedo Escobosa (-42 kg, 2016-2015) all earned their places at the national level. Their success came during the regional competition at the Code Revolución in Guadalajara. The Taekwondo competition will take place in Tlaxcala from May 14th to 24th. The team’s performance demonstrates the growing popularity and strength of Taekwondo in Colima.
Rodeo: A Strong Showing in Multiple Events
Colima’s rodeo team also secured qualifications in various events. Jocelyn Novela, Sofía Zamora, and Irene Caraveo qualified in the youth minor barrel racing category. Samantha Vargas, Mariana Ramírez, and Griselda Coghlan qualified in the youth major barrel racing category. Valeria Núñez, Jocelyn Novela, and Alexia Reyna qualified in the youth minor pole bending category, while Samantha Vargas, Lucía Mendoza, and Naomi Arellano qualified in the youth major pole bending category. Sofía Zamora, María José Tamariz, and Génesis Álvarez qualified in the youth minor goat tying category, with Samantha Vargas, Dibanhi Iñiguez, and Lucía Mendoza qualifying in the youth major goat tying category. Genesis Álvarez also qualified in the youth minor women’s false loop category. The National Olympics rodeo competition will be held from May 11th to 15th. The breadth of qualifications across multiple rodeo events demonstrates the depth of talent within Colima’s rodeo community.
Alejandro Rodríguez Alvarado, director of Incode, highlighted the dedication and hard work of the athletes and coaches who contributed to this success. The expanded delegation reflects a concerted effort to promote and support sports development within Colima. The athletes now prepare to represent the state with pride at the National Olympics, aiming for success on the national stage.
The National Olympics serve as a crucial platform for identifying and nurturing future sporting talent. For many of these athletes, this competition represents a significant step towards achieving their athletic dreams. The support of Incode and the dedication of the athletes themselves are key factors in Colima’s growing success in national sports.
As the athletes prepare for their respective competitions, the state of Colima stands behind them, offering its full support. The National Olympics are not just a sporting event; they are a celebration of athleticism, dedication, and the spirit of competition.
The next key dates to watch are the competition dates for each sport, starting with badminton in Tlaxcala from April 16th to 21st. Fans can follow the progress of the Colima delegation through official updates from Incode and coverage from national sports media.
What are your thoughts on Colima’s growing success in the National Olympics? Share your predictions and support for the athletes in the comments below!
