Havana, Cuba – The Havana 2026 International Junior Badminton Tournament concluded on Sunday with a golden performance from Cuba, as Iker Herrera and Carlos Vega triumphed in the men’s doubles final. The victory marks a significant achievement for the young Cuban team and signals a promising future for the nation’s badminton program.
Competing before a home crowd, Herrera and Vega delivered a commanding performance, defeating fellow Cubans Alberto Lazo and Oscar Montano in straight sets, 21-12 and 24-22. This win secured the gold medal for Cuba and underscored the emerging talent within the national badminton ranks.
The tournament wasn’t solely a showcase of Cuban prowess. The competition featured teams from several nations, with Paraguay securing a guaranteed gold medal in the women’s singles event. Sofia Rodas of Paraguay dominated Colombia’s Juliana Castaño 21-8 and 21-11 in the semifinals, while her sister, Paula Rodas, easily defeated Maria Carla Torres of Cuba 21-3 and 21-7. This sibling success ensures a Paraguayan sweep of the medals in women’s singles.
Beyond the gold, Cuba demonstrated strength across multiple disciplines. Iker Herrera and Thalia Roque advanced to the final in mixed doubles, where they faced a tough challenge from the Colombian pair of Jerónimo Giraldo and Juliana Castaño. The Colombians had previously secured comfortable wins against less experienced Cuban players, but Herrera and Roque navigated their semifinal match against another Cuban duo to reach the championship.
In women’s doubles, Leonor Alvisa and Thalia Roque represented Cuba against the experienced Paraguayan sisters, Paula and Sofia Rodas. The Rodas sisters brought with them experience from international competitions, including the Lithuania Junior tournament in October 2025 and the South American Junior Championships in Bucaramanga, Colombia, in December 2025.
The men’s singles final featured a compelling matchup between Bulgaria’s Teodor Mitev and Colombia’s Jerónimo Giraldo. Both players had progressed through the tournament without significant setbacks, overcoming Cuban opposition in the later stages. Mitev secured his third victory of the tournament, defeating Carlos Vega 21-12 and 21-12, while Giraldo overcame Iker Herrera with scores of 21-12 and 21-10.
The Havana International Junior Badminton Tournament provided a valuable competitive opportunity for Cuba’s young badminton players. The event’s importance is heightened by the challenges Cuban athletes face in securing frequent participation in international tournaments outside of Cuba, making home competitions crucial for their development. This tournament allowed these athletes to gain experience and refine their skills against a diverse range of opponents.
Cuba’s overall medal count at the tournament included one gold, three silver, and eight bronze medals, with the bronze medals awarded to those who lost in the semifinal rounds of each event. This strong showing demonstrates the growing depth of talent within Cuban junior badminton.
The success of the Cuban team at this tournament is particularly noteworthy as it comes with an eye toward the future. The performance of players like Iker Herrera and Carlos Vega, along with Thalia Roque and Leonor Alvisa, suggests a bright future for Cuban badminton. The team’s progress is especially encouraging as they look ahead to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where they hope to represent Cuba on the world stage.
The tournament’s conclusion marks not only the complete of a successful competition but similarly a stepping stone for these young athletes as they continue their journey toward international success. The experience gained in Havana will undoubtedly be invaluable as they prepare for future challenges and strive to elevate Cuban badminton to latest heights.
Next Up: The Cuban national team will announce its training schedule for the upcoming season in the coming weeks, with a focus on preparing for further international competitions. Stay tuned to Archysport for updates on the team’s progress and tournament schedule.
What did you think of Cuba’s performance at the Havana International Junior Badminton Tournament? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
