The Arica y Parinacota regional judo team captured the team championship at the Under-14 National School Sports Games, securing the top spot on the podium after a competitive two-day tournament held in the Valparaíso Region.
Regional Judo Squad Secures Ten Medals Across Two Days of Competition
The regional delegation finished the tournament with a total of 10 medals, breaking down into two gold, two silver, and six bronze awards. The decisive second day added four medals to the regional tally. Josefa Paz Huenchuman of Colegio Alemán earned the gold medal in the women’s -57 kg category, while Madeleyng Milling Ayala of North American College took silver in the -52 kg division.
On the men’s side, Joaquín Rojas Áreas of Colegio Juan Pablo II captured a bronze medal in the -81 kg category. Héctor Zúñiga Espinoza of Colegio Bicentenario Miramar added another bronze in the -73 kg division. In the gender-specific standings, male competitors contributed five bronze medals, while female athletes accumulated five podium finishes consisting of two golds, two silvers, and one bronze.
During the opening day of competition, Emily Apaza Choque of Colegio Alta Cordillera secured a bronze medal in the -36 kg category. Male competitors Martín Palma Maldonado, Simón Romero Díaz, and Juan Tapia Tapia also claimed bronze medals during the initial sessions.
Title Restores Regional Standing Following Historic Pathway
The women’s team championship reestablishes Arica y Parinacota at the summit of Chilean school judo, continuing a strong multi-year trajectory. In 2023, the region claimed the general classification national championship with five gold medals. The women’s team subsequently secured the national title in 2024 before finishing second in 2025 with one gold, two silver, and three bronze medals.
This competitive pipeline has consistently fed into international representation. In 2024, Victoria Vargas and Damarits Fumey earned bronze medals at the South American School Games, a feat matched in 2025 by Lya Pacheco. The regional program relies on coordinated efforts among local clubs, educational institutions, families, and regional sports initiatives.
Selected Athletes Prepare for South American School Games in Guayaquil
Following their performances in Valparaíso, Luna Vera and Josefa Huenchuman earned selection to represent Chile at the upcoming South American School Games. The international tournament is scheduled to take place in Guayaquil, Ecuador, in December.
Sensei Dolores Le Blanc will accompany the athletes to Ecuador, joining the delegation both as a coach and as a leader within the “Crecer en Movimiento” judo workshop managed by IND Arica. Le Blanc traveled to the national school finals alongside workshop participants Emily Apaza Choque and Wendy Quenta Chambi, both students at Colegio Alta Cordillera.
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