Dominican Duo Secures Silver at Giraldilla Badminton Open in Cuba
HAVANA, Cuba (AP) – The Dominican Republic’s Daniela and Alissa Juleixi Acosta captured the silver medal in the women’s doubles competition at the XXIII Giraldilla International Badminton Open held in Havana, Cuba. The Acosta sisters were bested by the Cuban team of Taimara Oropeza and Leyanis Contreras, who took gold. Adriana Barrios and Luisa Zantizo of Guatemala earned the bronze medal.
Dominicans Dominate Early Rounds
The Dominican pair advanced through three rounds to reach the finals, winning each of their matches. Their victories included scores of 21-3, 21-7 and 21-17, 21-14 against Cuban opponents in the initial rounds. In the semi-finals, they defeated the Guatemalan team with scores of 21-15 and 21-17.
Cuban Team Claims Gold in Finals
In the final match, the Cuban team proved too strong, defeating the Acosta sisters with scores of 21-11 and 21-9.
Dominican Badminton Federation President Praises Team’s Success
Nelson Javier Ozuna, president of the Dominican Badminton Federation, expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, which included two male and two female players. He highlighted the importance of this achievement as the Dominican Republic prepares to host the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games.
Eyeing the Podium for Santo Domingo 2026 Games
Ozuna believes this silver medal positions the Dominican badminton team as a strong contender for a podium finish at the Games in 2026, where they will face tough competition from Cuba, Guatemala, and Mexico.
Support and Training Key to Success
Javier Ozuna credited the team’s success to rigorous training and the support of various governmental institutions, including the Dominican olympic Committee (COD), the ministry of Sports and recreation (MIDEREC), and the National Institute of Physical Education (INEFI).
Ozuna stated the FEDOBAD is grateful for the support of Garibaldi Bautista, president of the COD; Kelvin Cruz, Minister of Sports; and Alberto Rodríguez Mella, executive director of INEFI.
How did teh Dominican duo fare against other international teams in the tournament?
Dominican Duo Secures silver at Giraldilla Badminton Open in Cuba: Q&A
Q: Who were the key players in the women’s doubles competition?
A: The dominican Republic’s daniela and alissa Juleixi Acosta won silver, while the Cuban team of Taimara Oropeza and Leyanis contreras took gold. Adriana Barrios and Luisa zantizo of Guatemala earned bronze.
Q: How did the Dominican team perform in the early rounds?
A: The Acosta sisters dominated, winning all three of their matches leading up to the finals. They had strong wins against other Cuban and Guatemalan teams.
Q: What was the final match like?
A: the Cuban team proved too strong, defeating the Acosta sisters in straight sets with scores of 21-11 and 21-9.
Q: what is the meaning of this silver medal for the Dominican Republic?
A: The Dominican Badminton Federation President believes this performance positions the team as a strong contender for a podium finish at the Santo Domingo 2026 central American and Caribbean Games,which the Dominican Republic will host. This is especially critically important as badminton is a growing sport.
Q: What support did the Dominican team receive?
A: The team benefited from rigorous training and support from governmental institutions like the Dominican Olympic Committee (COD), the Ministry of Sports and Recreation (MIDEREC), and the National Institute of Physical Education (INEFI).
Q: Where is the Giraldilla International Badminton Open held?
A: The tournament took place in Havana, Cuba.
Q: What other countries are expected to be strong competitors at the 2026 games?
A: Cuba, Guatemala, and Mexico are anticipated to be the dominican Republic’s main rivals at the Santo Domingo 2026 Games.
Ready to follow the Dominican badminton team’s journey to the 2026 Games? Keep an eye out for updates and cheer them on!
