Following in the Footsteps of Olympic Role Models

For young Cuban table tennis players, the journey to international success is paved with dedication and the inspiration of those who came before. athletes like Andy Pereira, Daniela Fonseca, and Jorge Moisés Campos, all multiple-time Olympians, serve as powerful examples. While Olympic medals may have eluded them, their perseverance in the face of challenges resonates deeply within the Cuban table tennis community.

Junior Team Secures Qualification for Asunción

A new generation of Cuban table tennis stars is ready to make their mark. Several promising athletes have qualified for the upcoming Junior Pan American Games in Asunción, paraguay, scheduled for August 9-23.This achievement marks a meaningful step forward for Cuban youth table tennis and highlights the effectiveness of the nation’s development programs.

Caribbean Championship Triumph: A Springboard to Pan American Dreams

The tickets to Asunción were secured at the Youth Caribbean Championship in Bridgetown, Barbados. Both the male and female teams demonstrated remarkable skill and determination, earning bronze medals in the Under-19 category and, more importantly, securing their spots in the Junior Pan American Games.

Men’s Team Performance

At the Garfield Sobers gym, the men’s team, consisting of Andy Maqueira, Jonathan León, Fabio Estévez, and Alejandro Martínez, dominated Group 3 with decisive victories against Santa Lucia (3-0) and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (3-0). Thay continued their winning streak by defeating Jamaica (3-1) in the quarterfinals. However, their journey was halted in the semifinals by a strong Puerto Rican team, who edged them out with a 2-3 victory.

Women’s Team Performance

the women’s team, comprised of Yahaira Gutiérrez, adriana Bode, Emily Domínguez, and Anyeli capote, finished second in their group after securing wins against Jamaica (3-0) and Barbados (3-0). A setback against Trinidad and Tobago (1-3) placed them second in their group. In the semi-finals,they faced a formidable Puerto Rican team,who proved to strong,winning 3-0.

Individual Brilliance: Andy Maqueira’s Bronze Medal

Adding to the medal count, 14-year-old Andy Maqueira, hailing from Bejucal, showcased his exceptional talent by winning a bronze medal in the Under-19 individual tournament. Maqueira’s remarkable run included victories over Lamont Gregg of Saint vincent (3-0) and Brian Blake of Jamaica (3-0). He continued his success by defeating Alex Henry of the Bahamas (4-1), Yoel Mendoza of the Dominican Republic (4-2), and his teammate Jonathan León (4-2) before losing in the semi-finals.

Official Recognition and Future Aspirations

The Cuban Table Tennis Federation expressed their pride and optimism on social media:

Congratulations to the Junior Table Tennis team for their classifications in all events to Asunción, Paraguay. Recognise Andy Maqueira who, being under-15, won a medal of individual bronze, a feat. That is sport. Thanks to the coaching staff, to all those who, in one way or another, supported the process (…). we are going for more.
cuban Table Tennis Federation Facebook Page

Looking Back: The 2021 Cali-Valle Games

In the previous edition of the Junior Pan American Games, held in Cali-Valle, Colombia, Cuba achieved a commendable third-place finish in the table tennis medal standings. Daniela fonseca secured a gold medal in the women’s singles, while Edy Gómez and René Méndez earned a silver medal in the men’s doubles. The team also brought home five bronze medals, demonstrating the depth of talent within the Cuban table tennis program.