Portuguesa Dominates I Circuito Nacional de Bádminton, Secures 7 Spots for 2026 Youth Games
The Portuguesa state badminton delegation delivered a commanding performance at the I Circuito Nacional de Bádminton, turning the Villa Deportiva de Cojedes into a showcase of regional talent. Competing from April 7 to 11, the association walked away with a massive haul of seven gold, two silver and six bronze medals, cementing its position as a powerhouse in the sport.
Beyond the immediate medal count, the stakes were high for the athletes. The event served as a critical qualifying window, and Portuguesa successfully secured seven direct berths for the upcoming 2026 Juegos Deportivos Nacionales Juveniles. This qualification ensures that the state’s top youth prospects will be represented on the national stage later this year.
The Phenomenon of Marcelo Ossa
While the team effort was cohesive, the individual story of the tournament belongs to Marcelo Ossa. At just nine years old, Ossa competed in the U-11 category and produced a nearly flawless run to become a national tricampeón for the second time in his young career.
Ossa’s dominance was absolute, capturing gold medals in three distinct disciplines: individual, doubles, and mixed doubles. For a nine-year-old to maintain the tactical discipline and physical endurance required for three separate gold-medal runs speaks to a level of precocity rarely seen in regional youth circuits.
Depth Across the Age Brackets
Portuguesa’s success was not limited to a single star. The delegation demonstrated depth across multiple age divisions, proving that the state’s development pipeline is functioning across the board.
Other gold-medal performances included:
- Joss Días: Secured gold in the U-9 category.
- Ellen Ossa and Enmanuel Arias: Both claimed gold in the U-13 division.
- Bernabé Pérez and Andrés Mogollón: The duo captured gold in the U-15 category.
The overall medal tally was further bolstered by a strong supporting cast. Athletes Crismari Echeverría, Arliana Rodríguez, Marcela Morales, Victoria Robles, Valery Ortegoza, Nathalia Suárez, and Eliannys Rodríguez all contributed vital points that helped the association climb the general standings.
The Architecture of Success
The association attributes this surge in performance to a structured synergy between the athletes and their technical leadership. The coaching staff, led by Jhon Carmona, Héctor Díaz, and Anais González, managed the delegation throughout the four-day event in Cojedes.
Under the management of President Magíster Anais González, the association has emphasized a collaborative approach to growth. The leadership extended gratitude to the regional executive for their institutional support, as well as the parents, representatives, and corporate collaborators who provide the necessary resources to sustain regional badminton development.
For those unfamiliar with the circuit format, these national events are designed to test consistency across different pairings and formats, making the “tricampeón” achievement particularly difficult to attain.
Medal Breakdown: Portuguesa Delegation
| Medal Color | Count | Key Achievement |
|---|---|---|
| Gold | 7 | 7 Direct spots for 2026 Youth Games |
| Silver | 2 | Podium finishes in secondary brackets |
| Bronze | 6 | Broad participation across U-9 to U-15 |
With the I Circuito Nacional de Bádminton now concluded, the focus shifts entirely to preparation for the 2026 Juegos Deportivos Nacionales Juveniles. The seven qualified athletes will now enter a training phase designed to translate their qualifying momentum into national titles.
The next confirmed checkpoint for the delegation will be the official training schedule and announcement of the final roster for the Youth Games. Stay tuned for further updates on the road to 2026.
Do you think Portuguesa can sweep the podiums at the National Youth Games? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
