Zona Metropolitana Claims Victory at Rescued 2026 Women’s Games
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic – The Zona Metropolitana (Metropolitan Zone) emerged victorious at the V Juegos Deportivos de la Mujer (Women’s Sports Games) 2026, culminating in a closing ceremony this past Sunday presided over by the Minister of Sports, Kelvin Cruz, at the Ciudad Juan Bosch poly-sport complex in Santo Domingo Este.
After a decade-long hiatus, the revival of these games signifies a renewed commitment to women’s sports in the Dominican Republic. The Zona Metropolitana, comprised of the Distrito Nacional (National District) and the province of Santo Domingo, secured the top spot with an impressive haul of 52 medals: 22 gold, 14 silver, and 16 bronze. This victory underscores the region’s strength across a diverse range of athletic disciplines.
Dominant Performances Across Multiple Sports
The athletes from the Metropolitan Zone excelled in seven different sports, claiming first place in basketball (5×5), indoor volleyball, softball, 3×3 basketball, duathlon, karate, and Olympic wrestling. Their consistent performance across these disciplines cemented their overall lead in the competition. The success of these athletes highlights the growing talent pool within the region and the effectiveness of local training programs.
However, the competition was fierce. The Región Este (Eastern Region) finished a close second with a total of 54 medals (14 gold, 20 silver, and 20 bronze), demonstrating their prowess in patinaje (speed skating) and halterofilia (weightlifting). The Región Norte (Northern Region) secured third place with 26 medals (13 gold, 6 silver, and 7 bronze), achieving success in beach volleyball, taekwondo, and athletics. The Región Sur (Southern Region) finished fourth, amassing a total of 55 medals – the highest overall count, though with fewer gold medals than the top three regions.
A Celebration of Women’s Athletics and New Infrastructure
The 2026 Women’s Sports Games were dedicated to Doña Melba Segura de Grullón, recognizing her contributions to social development through the Fundación Sur Futuro. The event, held from Thursday, March 19th to Sunday, March 22nd, featured competition in 13 sports: basketball (5×5 and 3×3), indoor and beach volleyball, karate, judo, weightlifting, duathlon, athletics, speed skating, softball, Olympic wrestling, and taekwondo. A total of 680 athletes participated, alongside invited teams from San Martín, Costa Rica, Cuba, and Puerto Rico.
The games weren’t just about athletic competition. they also marked the official inauguration of the Ciudad Juan Bosch sports facilities in Santo Domingo Este. This investment in infrastructure, spearheaded by Minister Cruz, aims to bolster both community and professional sports development in the area. The new facilities will provide athletes with improved training resources and opportunities to excel.
Minister Cruz Highlights Commitment to Women’s Sports
During the closing ceremony, Minister Kelvin Cruz expressed his satisfaction with the successful revival of the games. “Mission accomplished! A dream reach true with the celebration and closing of these Women’s Sports Games 2026, which had not been held for 10 years and we have rescued with the support of the President of the Republic, Luis Abinader, who attended the opening day along with the honoree, Doña Melba Segura de Grullón,” Cruz stated. He further emphasized the government’s commitment to annual continuation of the games, recognizing the vital role female athletes play in the nation’s sporting landscape.
Senator María Mercedes Ortiz, who served as the operational director of the games, echoed this sentiment, praising the support of President Abinader and Minister Cruz. She noted that the success of the event was a testament to the power of collective will.
International Participation and Standout Performances
The inclusion of international teams added another layer of excitement to the competition. Cuban athletes dominated the judo competition, while Costa Rican and San Martín teams secured second place in the 5×5 and 3×3 basketball events, respectively. This international exchange fostered camaraderie and raised the overall level of competition.
The closing ceremony was attended by a number of prominent figures, including Garibaldi Bautista, President of the Dominican Olympic Committee (COD); Juana José, Deputy Minister of Women, representing Minister Gloria Reyes; and several Deputy Ministers of Sports, including Kennedy Vargas, Samuel Hernández, Franklin de la Mota, and Fernando Teruel, an immortal of Dominican Sport. Former athletes Milagros Cabral (volleyball), Félix Díaz and Luisito Pie (taekwondo), and María Dimitrova (karate) were also in attendance, alongside presidents of various sports federations.
Looking Ahead
With the successful conclusion of the V Juegos Deportivos de la Mujer 2026, the focus now shifts to planning for the next edition of the games. Minister Cruz’s commitment to annual events promises continued opportunities for female athletes to showcase their talent and inspire future generations. The newly inaugurated Ciudad Juan Bosch facilities will serve as a key venue for future competitions and training programs, further solidifying the Dominican Republic’s dedication to women’s sports.
The next steps for many of these athletes will involve preparing for upcoming international competitions and continuing to refine their skills. Fans can stay updated on their progress through their respective federations and the Ministry of Sports’ official channels.
