Dominican Republic Secures Judo Championship at World Police Games in Santo Domingo
La República Dominicana claimed the judo team championship at the IV Juegos Mundiales Policiales in Santo Domingo, capturing six gold medals, three silvers, and one bronze to dominate the tournament’s opening discipline. The Czech Republic finished second in the judo medal table with two golds and one silver, whereas Ecuador took third place with one gold, two silvers, and two bronzes.
Gold Medalists Lead Host Nation’s Dominance on the Tatami
Individual performances anchored the host nation’s success during the opening judo sessions at the international competition. Esmeralda Damiano captured gold in the under-70 kilogram division, Emelyn Bautista took the top spot in the under-78 kilogram category, Heriberto de Aza won the men’s under-66 kilogram class, and Ahimelec Ventura claimed gold in the men’s under-73 kilogram weight class. Meanwhile, silver medals went to Ángela Aguasanta in the under-63 kilogram division and Dayrelis Taveras in the over-78 kilogram category.
The Czech delegation mounted the closest challenge in the standings with their podium finishes, while Ecuador rounded out the top three nations in the discipline. The competition drew law enforcement athletes from multiple countries to test their grappling skills in Santo Domingo, though organizers structured the medal events primarily around individual weight classes alongside the lone men’s team bracket.
Swimming Heats and Beach Volleyball Open at Centro Olímpico
Beyond the judo venue, competition expanded across the Dominican capital as swimming and beach volleyball events got underway. Hoy and Quiosco both noted that China established an early advantage in the pool by securing five gold medals during Wednesday’s swimming sessions at the Centro Olímpico Juan Pablo Duarte aquatic center. Concurrently, the beach volleyball tournament began on the sand courts at the same Olympic complex.
Both the men’s and women’s national police teams advanced past their initial matches to reach Thursday’s elimination rounds. Those matches remain scheduled at the Centro Olímpico facility, with additional tournament action branching out across different venues in the metropolitan area as the international multi-sport gathering progresses.
Expanded Venue Schedule Across Santo Domingo and Punta Cana
Competition shifts outward across the country as the multi-sport event enters its final stretches before closing ceremonies. Golf matches opened on courses in Cap Cana and Punta Cana, while Practical Shooting competitions under IPSC rules commenced at the police academy in Hatillo, San Cristóbal. Hoy confirmed that the shooting tournament features 108 law enforcement officers representing 17 different nations.
Additional events continue at the Malecón in Santo Domingo for beach volleyball and at the Centro Olímpico aquatic center for swimming. The tournament concludes with the final matches across all remaining sports followed by an official closing ceremony attended by Dominican authorities and the 500 visiting athletes from participating countries.
