From October 15 to October 18, 2026, teenage judokas Yael Fernández Portugal, 16, and María Fernanda Huerta Serrano, 18, from Córdoba, Veracruz, will compete at the Torneo Nacional Prof. Daniel F. Hernández 2026 in Querétaro, local reporting shows. Both athletes train at the Nintai Judo Academy and have secured financial support for bus transportation from the Instituto Veracruzano del Deporte while still working to cover registration fees and lodging expenses ahead of the competition.
Nintai Judo Academy Athletes Qualify for National Event
The two athletes train locally under the banner of the Nintai Judo Academy, where they have earned various achievements prior to qualifying for the national event in Querétaro. Yael Fernández Portugal enters the tournament in the Sub-21 junior division for athletes weighing over 78 kilograms, bringing nearly three years of dedicated training experience to the mat. María Fernanda Huerta Serrano steps into competition in the Sub-18 cadet division, specifically in the 60-kilogram weight category.
Veracruz Sends Competitors from Multiple Regional Clubs
Veracruz will send a broader contingent of approximately six competitors to the national tournament, drawing athletes from clubs in Xalapa and Poza Rica alongside the representatives from Córdoba. “We are going with several clubs from Veracruz to represent us. From Córdoba, about three women and two or three men are scheduled to go, though we haven’t confirmed everyone yet,” María Fernanda Huerta Serrano said in an interview.
Federación Mexicana De Judo Schedules Championship Brackets
The Federación Mexicana de Judo organizes the championship alongside backing from the Asociación de Judo del Estado de Querétaro and the Instituto del Deporte y la Recreación del Estado de Querétaro (INDEREQ). Competition gets underway on Friday, October 16, featuring Mini, Baby, Preinfantil, Sub-13, and Sub-15 brackets. Action continues Saturday, October 17, with the Sub-18 Cadete and Sub-21 Junior divisions, before concluding on Sunday, October 18, with Senior category matches.
Athletes Fundraise for Registration and Daily Expenses
While the Instituto Veracruzano del Deporte covers bus transportation for the trip to Querétaro, the competitors remain responsible for registration costs and daily viáticos covering food and lodging. Registration fees are set at 800 pesos for entries submitted by October 5, increasing to 1,000 pesos for any registrations completed starting October 6. “Right now we are gathering funds for the entry fees and for our expenses, which are lodging and meals,” Yael Fernández Portugal explained regarding the ongoing fundraising efforts.
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