The Judo School of Club Deportivo Naco will host the 49th edition of the International Judo Naco Cup on October 10–11, featuring more than 525 competitors from six countries and numerous national clubs. Official backing for the tournament comes from the Dominican Judo Federation and the Judo Association of the National District.
Tournament Venue and Dedication to Sensei Juan Chalas
Competition will take place at the Karate Pavilion within the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center in Santo Domingo. Organizers have dedicated this year’s event to sensei Juan Chalas, director-in-chief of the Naco Judo School and an immortal of Dominican sports, honoring his long career and contributions to the sport nationwide.
Vladimir Aracena, president of the Naco Judo Parents Association, emphasized the significance of honoring Chalas. “Esta dedicatoria es un reconocimiento especial al sensei Juan Chalas por sus entrega, pasión y amor al judo,” Aracena stated, adding that multiple generations of judokas trained by Chalas have brought glory to the country.
Celebrating Five Decades of Judo Development
Beyond the competition itself, the tournament marks the 50th founding anniversary of the Naco Judo School. Over the past half-century, the school has developed generations of athletes, contributing to the growth of one of the combat disciplines with the most tradition in the country.
Sócrates Puello, president of the National District Judo Association, noted that reaching the 49th installment highlights the tournament’s longevity. Puello pointed to the event’s history of athlete development and international sports exchange as key elements of its endurance.
Institutional Backing from Club Naco Leadership
Club Naco leadership reaffirmed their support for the upcoming tournament during the official announcement. Heidy Félix, first vice president of the Club Naco Board of Directors, appeared alongside second vice president Madelaine Andino to confirm the club’s ongoing commitment.
“Para nosotros es un orgullo respaldar esta Copa Internacional y todo lo que representa para el judo y para el deporte dominicano,” Félix remarked, praising the collaborative work carried out by the parents’ association and the school in organizing the event.
Scope and Competitive Format
With athletes traveling from six nations alongside clubs from across the Dominican Republic, the event transforms the Olympic Center pavilion into a hub for competition and sports fraternity. The weekend joins athletic competition with commemorative milestones for the host institution.
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