Neicel, an athlete in the 60 kg division, was forced to move up to 66 kg as a result of low weight enrollment and the designs of the medical-functional evaluation process. Photo: Jit.

Cuba celebrated this Sunday its first medal in the history of the youth Parapan American Games, thanks to the effort of judoka Neicel Ainel Betancourt in the J2 class and the 66 kg division.

The access to the podium occurred in the least expected way in this edition of Bogotá 2023, with three defeats by ippon plus a leg and shoulder injury. However, the courage of Santiago deserved applause.

Neicel, an athlete in the 60 kg division, was forced to move up to 66 kg as a result of low weight enrollment and the designs of the medical-functional evaluation process.

Then, he yielded by ippon to the Argentine Alejandro Kunkel (second half) and the Chileans Yabrán Alonso Llanos and Johann Luis Herrera (first half).

Unfortunately, the Cuban suffered injuries to his left leg and arm that required medical attention at the competition venue, without major consequences.

The coach, Yarselis Asín, praised the dedication of her student and recalled not only that he competed in a higher weight category, but that it was his debut at the international level.

She excitedly dedicated this medal to the people of Cuba and especially to Army General Raúl Castro Ruz, who was on his birthday this Saturday.

(Taken from Jit)