Guayaquil, Ecuador – The state of Tamaulipas, Mexico, delivered a strong performance at the 2026 Pan American Judo Cadete and Junior Championships, securing a total of four medals and establishing itself as a rising force in the sport. The championships, held in Guayaquil, Ecuador, saw impressive results from the Tamaulipas delegation, highlighted by a gold medal win from Eduardo Sagástegui in the Junior category.
Sagástegui’s victory was a standout achievement, solidifying his competitive level on the international stage and providing valuable preparation for the upcoming CONADE National Olympiad 2026, scheduled to take place in Mérida, Yucatán. The success of the Tamaulipas judokas contributed significantly to the overall results of the Mexican national team.
Beyond Sagástegui’s gold, Rafael García Estrever earned a silver medal in the Cadete -73 kilogram division. García Estrever advanced to the final after overcoming opponents from Uruguay and Canada, ultimately falling to Brazil’s Nicolás Almeida in a closely contested match. The silver medal represents a significant accomplishment for the young athlete and demonstrates the growing strength of judo within Tamaulipas.
The medal count didn’t stop there. Frida Maya secured a bronze medal in the women’s -57 kilogram category, continuing a consistent record of success in international competitions. Bella María Solís also added to the tally with a bronze medal in the Cadete -40 kilogram division. These results showcase the depth of talent within the Tamaulipas judo program and the success of its female athletes.
Other Tamaulipas athletes also competed strongly. José Pérez finished in seventh place in the Junior -66 kilogram category, while Axel González placed seventh in the -81 kilogram division. Alberto Zamora rounded out the team’s performance with an eighth-place finish in the Cadete category. While not medaling, their participation provided valuable experience and contributed to the overall team effort.
The Tamaulipas delegation’s participation in the Pan American Championships was supported by the state government through the Secretariat of Social Welfare and the Tamaulipas Sports Institute (INDE), led by Manuel Virués Lozano. This support underscores the government’s commitment to developing sports talent within the state and providing opportunities for athletes to compete at the highest levels.
Cecilia Martínez Aguilera, the team’s coach, expressed her satisfaction with the performance of the Tamaulipas representatives. “The seven athletes positioned themselves among the best,” she said, according to a press release from the Instituto del Deporte de Tamaulipas. Her comments highlight the dedication and hard work of the athletes and the effectiveness of the training program.
The 2026 Pan American Judo Cadete and Junior Championships served as a crucial stepping stone for these athletes as they prepare for the CONADE National Olympiad in Mérida. The experience gained in Guayaquil will undoubtedly be invaluable as they strive for further success on home soil. For many of these young judokas, the national olympiad represents a significant opportunity to showcase their skills and potentially earn a place on the national team for future international competitions.
The success of the Tamaulipas team at the Pan American Championships is a testament to the growing popularity and strength of judo in the region. With continued support from the state government and dedicated coaching, Tamaulipas is poised to become a major force in the world of judo. The commitment to developing young athletes and providing them with opportunities to compete internationally is clearly paying dividends.
Next up for these athletes is focused preparation for the CONADE National Olympiad 2026 in Mérida, Yucatán. Fans can follow updates on the Tamaulipas Sports Institute’s official website and social media channels for the latest news and results.
