Delegations from the United States, Cuba, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Costa Rica, and Italy have confirmed their participation in the 49th International Naco Judo Cup. The tournament opens on Saturday, the 10th of this month, at the Karate Pavilion of the Olympic Center in Santo Domingo, featuring a special dedication to the sensei Juan Chalas, Director of the Naco Judo School.
Record International Athletes Join Judo Tournament
Approximately 525 judokas will compete across various categories and both branches on Saturday, the 10th, and Sunday, the 11th of this month. The Club Deportivo Naco will televise the event via YouTube, continuing its tradition of providing logistical and broadcast support. This year’s competition features a record participation of 17 foreign clubs representing six countries and bringing roughly 100 international athletes to the Dominican Republic.
Clubs from Six Countries Join Competition
Confirmed international representation includes several regional programs from across the Americas and Europe. United States entries feature Mambi Judo Club, Roman’s Judo, Cohen Brothers Judo Club, Legacy Submission, Falcon Judo Club, Brook Naples Florida, Budokan Judo, School Kodokan Judo of Cape Coral, and Andalucia Club. Puerto Rico sends competitors from 00602 Judo, Club Aguada, and Club de Judo Espinal, while Costa Rica is represented by teams from Alajuela and Hatillo. Cuba, Haiti, and Italy round out the foreign national delegations with their respective country squads.
Domestically, 22 provincial associations and eight clubs and schools from the National District have confirmed their attendance, generating substantial anticipation within the local judo community. Invited provincial associations span Independencia, Azua, San Juan, Barahona, San Cristóbal, Santo Domingo, National District, Monte Plata, El Seibo, San Pedro, Trinidad Sánchez, Monseñor Nouel, Duarte, Santiago, La Vega, La Altagracia, Pedernales, San José de Ocoa, Puerto Plata, La Romana, Samaná, and Monte Cristi. Local District clubs taking part include Judo UASD, Casa Nacional, Villa Francisca, BAMESO, Matsunaga Dojo, Kosen Dojo, and Dimitrova Dojo.
Golden Anniversary for the Naco Judo School
The tournament coincides with the 50th founding anniversary of the Escuela de Judo Naco, marking five decades of operation under the Naco Club Board of Directors, the school administration, and the Judo Parents Association. Over five generations, the program has trained numerous judokas who have advanced to achieve international success for the nation. The Dominican Judo Federation (FEDOJUDO) and the National District Judo Association (ASOJUDINA) provide official sanctioning for the event, supported by the Club Board of Directors and the Judo Parents Association.
Matches Run Through Sunday at Olympic Center
Competition gets underway on Saturday at the Olympic Center Karate Pavilion following opening ceremonies dedicated to sensei Juan Chalas. Matches run through Sunday across all categories and both branches. Fans unable to attend in person can watch the broadcast hosted on the Club Deportivo Naco YouTube channel.
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