Club Judo Naco secured the team title at the 49th International Judo Cup 2026 in Santo Domingo, accumulating 1,527 points through 14 gold, 11 silver, and 17 bronze medals at the Centro Olímpico’s Pabellón de Karate. The victory marks the club’s fifth championship run in the annual tournament, extending a streak that includes titles in 2022, 2023, 2024, and 2025.
Tournament Scale and International Field at Centro Olímpico
The competition brought together 573 athletes representing six countries: the Dominican Republic, the United States, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, Haiti, and Italy. Participants competed across various weight categories while drawing entries from 19 national associations and seven clubs based in the Distrito Nacional. The event coincided with the 50th anniversary of Judo Naco and was dedicated to Dominican sports immortal and sensei Juan Chalas. Estas cifras convierten esta edición en una de las grandes citas del judo dominicano, destacándose por su amplia participación y el elevado nivel competitivo de los atletas,
noted Manuel Díaz Coronado, director of sports for the club.
Podium Standings and Regional Association Standings
Behind the host club’s leading total of 1,527 points, the Asociación de Judo de San Juan de la Maguana finished second in the standings with 1,073 points, driven by 10 gold, seven silver, and three bronze medals. The Asociación de Judo de Duarte claimed third place by securing 963 points on nine gold, six silver, and three bronze medals. San Juan de la Maguana improved upon the runner-up position held previously by Monte Plata during earlier iterations of the competition.
Organizational Support and Anniversary Milestones
The tournament organization was managed by the Asociación de Padres de Judo Naco, which coordinated facilities alongside the Club Deportivo Naco board of directors. Institutional backing came from the Federación Dominicana de Judo and the Asociación de Judo del Distrito Nacional. The governing board of Club Naco, led by sports immortal Mario Alvarez Soto, sent a congratulatory message to the Naco delegation comprising athletes, coaches, leaders, and the Parents Association for upholding the organization’s and country’s name. The governing board of Club Naco, alongside club coaches and administrative staff, recognized the participating delegations for maintaining competitive standards throughout the weekend matches. Furthermore, the club’s board of directors and the entire Judo Naco family expressed deep pride and satisfaction regarding the performance of their athletes and coaches.
Year-Over-Year Participation Shifts
While the 2026 edition featured 573 judocas from six nations, tournament figures from the previous year’s competition at the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo’s Polideportivo Tony Barreiro reflected a larger international contingent. Almomento.net reported that the 2025 event drew 654 athletes across seven countries, including competitors from Ecuador, Chile, Cuba, and Paraguay, alongside 14 national associations and 12 Distrito Nacional clubs. That prior tournament saw Club Naco collect 1,544 points from 14 gold, 13 silver, and 14 bronze medals, finishing ahead of runner-up Monte Plata and third-place San Juan de la Maguana.
Unresolved Questions Surrounding 2027 Scheduling
Tournament organizers have not yet announced official dates or venue allocations for the 50th anniversary edition of the International Judo Cup in 2027. While the event consistently operates during the spring calendar in Santo Domingo, the Federación Dominicana de Judo has yet to confirm the exact window for next year’s international registration and federation calendar integration.
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