Approximately 20 judokas from the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de México (UAEMéx) recently competed in the 18th Copa Toluca, using the tournament as a vital preparation phase for the final stretch of the 2026 athletic calendar. Held at the Gimnasio “Guillermo Ortega Vargas,” the event gathered roughly 150 athletes from across Mexico, providing university competitors a platform to face regional rivals they expect to encounter in upcoming championship fixtures.
UAEMéx Squads Prepare for End-of-Year Competition
The UAEMéx delegation, representing both the university’s Superior and Media Superior categories, utilized the tournament to sharpen their technical skills and tactical readiness. Carlos Alberto García Montes de Oca, the team’s head coach, noted that the event was essential for evaluating the current performance levels of his “auriverde” athletes. According to García Montes de Oca, the opportunity to spar against future opponents is a critical component of the squad’s strategy for the final months of the year.
The competition drew participants from several states, including Querétaro, Michoacán, Puebla, Aguascalientes, and Chiapas, alongside representatives from Mexico City and the State of Mexico. Major educational institutions, including the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) and the Instituto Politécnico Nacional (IPN), also sent judokas to the tournament. The event also featured youth categories linked to the State of Mexico’s representative team, broadening the talent pool present at the venue.
Tribute to Coach Eduardo Zárate Serrano
Beyond the athletic preparation, the 18th edition of the Copa Toluca served as a memorial tribute to Eduardo Zárate Serrano. A respected figure in the regional judo community, Zárate Serrano was a long-time instructor who shaped multiple generations of athletes in the State of Mexico. The tournament, held one year after his passing, was named in his honor to commemorate his legacy and his contributions to the development of the sport in the region.
Evaluation of Competitive Readiness
Following the conclusion of the tournament, García Montes de Oca reported that the university athletes met the performance expectations established by the coaching staff. He stated that the experience gained during the Copa Toluca is expected to help the UAEMéx program consolidate a more cohesive and competitive group for their remaining 2026 commitments.
Keep reading
