The renewed Pampean Games (Juegos Deportivos Pampeanos) opened this weekend in Santa Rosa, Argentina, with an initial stage gathering approximately 500 young athletes from across La Pampa province.
The first competitive module featured eight disciplines: badminton, beach volleyball, hockey, handball, table tennis, taekwondo, softball, and boxing. The two-day event, concluding on Sunday, saw competitors aged 12 to 16 showcase skills honed over months of preparation, which included a qualifying phase.
This new version of the Pampean Games introduces a broader scope. The full 2026 event will span 24 sports, with two more stages to follow. A primary goal is to increase the number of participating localities, particularly smaller towns, to increase the total number of competing athletes.
Each athlete contributes to their local community’s medal count, fostering a sense of regional pride. The competition structure is designed to build on the success of the initial weekend, setting the stage for a more inclusive provincial sporting festival.
Santa Rosa emerged as the leader after the first stage, capturing a total of 14 medals, according to official results. The provincial capital secured 8 gold and 6 silver medals. Key gold medalists included Mía Escudero (boxing, 66-70kg) and Héctor Valquinta (boxing, 52-54kg).
In taekwondo, Elías Abregú, Nicanor Suhurt, and Michael Coronel claimed gold in their respective weight categories. Table tennis golds went to Ignacio Lobos and Tomás Torres in singles.
General Acha placed second on the medal table with 12 medals—6 gold, 2 silver, and 4 bronze. Boxers Marianela Illanes, Tiziana Magallanes, Thiago Canale, and Lisandro Fresco contributed to Acha’s gold tally. In taekwondo, Bianca Rodríguez and Juliana Córdoba Junco also secured gold for their city.
General Pico finished third with 4 medals—2 gold and 2 silver. The city’s northern athletes earned gold in the beach volleyball and women’s handball team events, while silver medals came from the softball and men’s handball teams.
Medal distribution highlights the competitive depth across La Pampa. Toay claimed fourth place with 2 gold and 1 silver, thanks to boxer Facundo Viñas and its softball team. Telén, in fifth, earned 2 gold and 1 bronze in badminton.
The localidad of 25 de Mayo secured the sixth position with 1 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze. Table tennis player Emma Martini won gold, with Victoria Díaz adding silver medals in singles and women’s doubles. Ramiro Cerda contributed a bronze in boxing (63-66kg).
Macachín finished the first stage with 1 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze. The gold medals were won by the women’s beach volleyball pairs. Miguel Riglos, Catriló, and La Adela also secured spots in the top nine, each earning at least one gold medal.
The opening stage of the renewed Pampean Games has set a strong precedent for the events to come. With two more stages remaining, athletes and localities will continue to compete across the full slate of 24 sports.
The next confirmed checkpoint is the subsequent stage of the Juegos Deportivos Pampeanos 2026, which will bring together athletes in a new set of disciplines. The official schedule and details will be released by the Undersecretariat of Sports of La Pampa.
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