Cuban Badminton Team Shines at Giraldilla de La Habana Tournament
HAVANA – The Cuban badminton team delivered a strong performance at the Giraldilla de La Habana International Badminton Tournament 2025, securing a medal of each color and finishing second overall as a nation.
Home Advantage: Cuba Capitalizes on International tournament
The tournament, held at the Coliseo de la ciudad Deportiva, featured players from over 20 countries. This provided valuable competitive experience for the 27 local Cuban players. Key athletes are preparing for the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción 2025 and aiming to qualify for the Central American and Caribbean games in Santo Domingo 2026.
Oropesa Leads the Way with gold and Bronze Medals
Taymara oropesa, a seasoned player who recently became a mother, stood out by winning gold in women’s doubles with Leyanis Contreras. She also secured a bronze medal in mixed doubles alongside Roberto Carlos Herrera. Herrera displayed significant progress, especially in the mixed doubles category.
Herrera and Bencomo Claim Silver in Men’s Doubles
Herrera earned his second podium finish by winning a silver medal in men’s doubles with Juan Carlos Bencomo. Their semi-final match against Guatemalans Ramiro Alonso and Yeison del cid was particularly memorable.
Guatemalan Upset: Del Cid Dethrones Badminton Veteran Cordon
In a stunning upset, Yeison del Cid of Guatemala defeated his compatriot Kevin Cordón, a five-time Olympian and fourth-place finisher at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, in the men’s singles final. The match concluded with scores of 15-21, 24-22, and 21-18, highlighting the influence of the 39-year-old Cordón on the new champion.
Cuban Players Overcome Challenges, Aim for Santo Domingo
“We came out to give our all as always, and the results came,” Taymara oropesa stated. “Despite the preparation not being the best, since we didn’t have the required shuttlecocks, we still did a great job as a team, highlighting the motivation of the younger players who also want to achieve triumphs for Cuba.” Oropesa expressed some regret over not medaling in singles, adding she needs to enjoy the matches more.
Looking ahead,the Cuban team aims to make the most of available resources to prepare for upcoming qualifying events for the Santo domingo Games. “We always think about the podium,” Oropesa said, hoping to qualify at least four athletes to maximize their chances of winning more medals and competing in team events.
Besides individual medals, what are the Cuban team’s goals for the upcoming Junior Pan American Games in Asunción 2025 and the Central American and Caribbean Games in santo domingo 2026?
Cuban Badminton Team Shines at Giraldilla de La Habana Tournament
HAVANA – The Cuban badminton team delivered a strong performance at the Giraldilla de La Habana International Badminton Tournament 2025, securing a medal of each color and finishing second overall as a nation.
Home Advantage: Cuba Capitalizes on international tournament
The tournament, held at the Coliseo de la ciudad Deportiva, featured players from over 20 countries. This provided valuable competitive experience for the 27 local Cuban players. Key athletes are preparing for the Junior Pan American games in Asunción 2025 and aiming to qualify for the Central American and caribbean games in santo Domingo 2026.
Oropesa Leads the Way with gold and Bronze Medals
Taymara oropesa, a seasoned player who recently became a mother, stood out by winning gold in women’s doubles with Leyanis Contreras. She also secured a bronze medal in mixed doubles alongside Roberto Carlos Herrera. Herrera displayed significant progress, especially in the mixed doubles category.
Herrera and Bencomo Claim Silver in Men’s Doubles
Herrera earned his second podium finish by winning a silver medal in men’s doubles with Juan Carlos Bencomo. Their semi-final match against Guatemalans Ramiro Alonso and Yeison del cid was especially memorable.
Guatemalan Upset: Del Cid Dethrones Badminton Veteran Cordon
In a stunning upset, Yeison del Cid of Guatemala defeated his compatriot Kevin Cordón, a five-time Olympian and fourth-place finisher at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, in the men’s singles final.The match concluded with scores of 15-21, 24-22, and 21-18, highlighting the influence of the 39-year-old Cordón on the new champion.
Cuban Players Overcome Challenges, Aim for Santo Domingo
“We came out to give our all as always, and the results came,” Taymara oropesa stated. “Despite the readiness not being the best, since we didn’t have the required shuttlecocks, we still did a great job as a team, highlighting the motivation of the younger players who also wont to achieve triumphs for Cuba.” Oropesa expressed some regret over not medaling in singles,adding she needs to enjoy the matches more.
Looking ahead,the Cuban team aims to make the most of available resources to prepare for upcoming qualifying events for the Santo domingo Games.”We always think about the podium,” Oropesa said, hoping to qualify at least four athletes to maximize their chances of winning more medals and competing in team events.
Q&A: Giraldilla de La Habana Badminton Tournament
Q: Where was the Giraldilla de La Habana Tournament held?
A: The tournament took place at the Coliseo de la Ciudad Deportiva in Havana,Cuba.
Q: How did the cuban team perform overall?
A: they finished second overall as a nation, securing a medal of each color (gold, silver, and bronze).
Q: Who were some of the standout Cuban players?
A: Taymara Oropesa won a gold medal in women’s doubles and a bronze in mixed doubles. Roberto Carlos Herrera won silver in Men’s doubles and Bronze in Mixed doubles.
Q: What major upset happened at the tournament?
A: Yeison del Cid of Guatemala defeated Kevin Cordón in the men’s singles final. Cordón is a five-time Olympian.
Q: What challenges did the Cuban team face during preparation?
A: They faced difficulties due to a lack of the required shuttlecocks.
Q: What are the Cuban team’s goals for the future?
A: They are aiming to qualify for the Junior Pan American Games in Asunción 2025 and the Central American and Caribbean games in Santo Domingo 2026,hoping to qualify at least four athletes.
Q: Interesting Fact about Badminton?
A: The fastest recorded badminton smash reached speeds of over 300 miles per hour, making it one of the fastest racket sports!
Stay tuned to follow the Cuban badminton team’s journey as they strive for excellence and aim for Santo Domingo!
