The Dominican Republic national police judo team secured four gold medals and two silver medals on the opening day of the IV USIP World Police Shiai Games 2026, taking an early lead in the discipline’s medal standings, according to hoy.com.do.
National Police Judo Team Dominates Opening Day
Competitors representing the National Police judo selection claimed top podium spots across four distinct weight divisions during the opening sessions. Esmeralda Damiano captured gold in the -70 kilogram division, while Emelyn Bautista secured the title in the -78 kilogram category. On the men’s side, Heriberto de Aza triumphed in the -66 kg class, and Ahimelec Ventura earned gold in the -73 kg division.
Silver medals went to Ángela Aguasanta in the -63 kg category and Dayrelis Taveras in the +78 kg division diariolibre.com. These six podium finishes place the police delegation at the very top of the judo medal table as the international tournament gets underway in Santo Domingo.
High-Ranking Officials Attend Medal Ceremony
National Police Director General, Major General Ernesto Rafael Rodríguez García, attended the medal ceremonies alongside Deputy Director General and Organizing Committee President, General Esteban Figuereo García elnacional.com.do. President Luis Abinader also participated in the international-caliber opening events diariolibre.com.
“Esta es una fiesta que reúne a las policías del mundo a través del deporte. La sana competencia fortalece los lazos de amistad y acerca a nuestros países,” Major General Rodríguez García stated during the event, emphasizing how athletic competition fosters international police camaraderie.
Federation Praises Organization as More Gold Medals Await
Dominican Judo Federation Gilberto García praised the tournament’s organization and acknowledged the strong institutional backing provided by police leadership elnacional.com.do. Police Sports Director, General Jacobo Mateo Moquete, confirmed that competition resumes at 10:00 a.m. local time with another seven gold medals up for grabs.
