The XIII Juegos Deportivos Nacionales Prejuveniles Azuay 2026 are well underway in Cuenca and surrounding sub-sedes, showcasing young athletic talent across multiple disciplines including track and field, judo, swimming, weightlifting, and 3×3 basketball, according to reports from ecuraices.com and the Viceministerio del Deporte.
As competition intensifies across Ecuador, provincial delegations are battling for podium spots in what has proven to be a high-stakes showcase for up-and-coming competitors. From the tracks of Cuenca to the coastal waters of Santa Elena, the games feature hundreds of athletes representing nearly twenty provinces.
Pichincha Dominates Athletics in Cuenca
The delegation from Pichincha claimed the overall athletics title at the pre-youth games hosted in Cuenca, according to ecuraices.com. The provincial team accumulated a total of 19 medals to secure the championship trophy in track and field events.
Pichincha’s medal haul consisted of 7 gold medals, 9 silver medals, and 3 bronze medals. That consistent depth across sprint, distance, and field events allowed the delegation to hold off challenges from rival provinces and seal the discipline title.
Azuay Rules Triathlon in Santa Elena
In the coastal sub-sede of Santa Elena, the host province of Azuay demonstrated local dominance in the triathlon competition, according to the Viceministerio del Deporte. Azuay athletes captured multiple top honors in both individual and team classifications.
Individual gold medals went to Emilia Tintín, Sebastián Tuesta, Karla González, and Anthony Maza. Maza also secured a silver medal in the individual men’s event. In the men’s team relay, the trio of Diego Barba Vázquez, Nicolás André Moreno Barba, and José Ricardo Pérez García combined to take home the gold for Azuay.
Combat Sports and Judo Showdowns
Combat disciplines have drawn intense competition from regional powerhouses including Pichincha, Guayas, Carchi, Imbabura, and Manabí. In the boxing ring, a closely contested bout in the -46 kilogram division saw Fabián Alcívar of Manabí edge out Sumak Villagrán of Santo Domingo, as highlighted by the Viceministerio del Deporte.
Meanwhile, the judo tournament opened with 132 athletes representing 19 provinces before shifting to the Polideportivo de Totoracocha for the team finals. Ten provinces and 71 competitors contested the team medals, with Guayas taking the top spot ahead of Pichincha, Imbabura, and Azuay, respectively. In individual judo weight classes, Sofía Arias of Pichincha topped the women’s 49kg division, while Jhon Matango of Imbabura captured gold in the men’s 55kg category.
Swimming and Weightlifting Highlights
Aquatic events at the Unidad Educativa Técnico Salesiano in Cuenca brought together top swimmers from Azuay, Guayas, and Pichincha. Notable performances included Scarlet Arias of Chimborazo taking gold in the women’s 200-meter event, and Juan Quimi of Guayas winning the men’s 50-meter butterfly. In distance freestyle, Nathan Zapata of Pichincha secured first place in the men’s 800-meter race, while teammate Stephania Cattan claimed gold in the women’s 800-meter freestyle.
Weightlifting also delivered early podium finishes. In the women’s 53-kilogram category, Cristina Robalino of Guayas captured the gold medal, followed by Doménica Loja of Azuay taking silver, Fernanda Cabezas of Napo winning bronze, and Nathaly Jácome of Pichincha rounding out the top placings.
3×3 Basketball and Extended Schedule
The Coliseo Jefferson Pérez serves as the focal point for the 3×3 basketball tournament, which features 35 teams, 140 athletes, and 20 participating provinces. Alongside basketball, competitions in cycling, triathlon, boxing, skating, and soccer continue across the regional schedule as the multi-sport event progresses.
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