Puerto Rico opens Santo Domingo 2026 with Five Medals

Puerto Rico’s men’s water polo team celebrates after defeating Colombia 16-12 to win the gold medal at the 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo.

By THE STAR STAFF

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic – After taking part in an emotional Opening Ceremony on Friday, Puerto Rico’s delegation delivered an impressive performance on Saturday, capturing five medals—one gold, one silver and three bronze—while also posting key victories in team and individual events at the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026.

Puerto Rico’s delegation, made up of 442 athletes competing in 33 sports, marched into Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium during Friday’s Opening Ceremony, led by handball player Nathalys Ceballos, who carried Puerto Rico’s flag during the Parade of Nations in the centennial edition of the regional games.

The delegation showcased attire inspired by Puerto Rican culture, with the male athletes wearing red guayabera shirts and the women dressed in blue shirts representing the colors of the Puerto Rican flag.

Puerto Rico Olympic Committee President Sara Rosario Vélez highlighted the historical significance of the Games and the responsibility carried by the island’s athletes.

“Marching in the Opening Ceremony is always one of the most meaningful moments in an athlete’s career. Today we celebrate the centennial of a sporting event that is part of our history, while beginning a new chapter for this delegation, which arrives in Santo Domingo ready to represent Puerto Rico with pride and give its best in every competition,” Rosario Vélez said.

First gold medal arrives on Saturday

Puerto Rico did not have to wait long to celebrate its first championship.

On Saturday, the men’s water polo team claimed the delegation’s first gold medal after defeating Colombia 16-12 in the championship match. The victory allowed Puerto Rico to successfully defend the title won at the San Salvador 2023 Games while also securing qualification for the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima.

Puerto Rico’s women’s team fell 13-11 to Colombia and will now compete against Cuba for the bronze medal.

Judo and Taekwondo add to medal count

Judo also contributed to Puerto Rico’s strong start.

Francine Echevarría earned the silver medal in the women’s 52-kilogram division after advancing to the final, where she was defeated by Cuba’s Dali Sentmanat.

Taekwondo produced three more medals for Puerto Rico. Arelis Medina and Luis Gabriel Colón each captured bronze medals in their individual events before teaming up to earn another bronze in the mixed pairs competition.

By the end of Saturday’s competition, Puerto Rico had accumulated five medals: one gold, one silver and three bronze.

Strong start in team sports

Puerto Rico also enjoyed success in several team competitions.

In women’s beach volleyball, María González and Allanis Navas cruised past Martinique in straight sets, 21-6, 21-6.

The men’s duo of Daniel Rivera and William Figueroa opened its tournament with a convincing 21-10, 21-4 victory over Honduras.

Puerto Rico’s women’s 5-on-5 basketball team began Group A play with a commanding 63-35 victory, while the men’s volleyball team defeated Cuba 3-1, winning by scores of 32-30, 25-22, 14-25 and 25-23 to start the tournament unbeaten.

Individual athletes also shine

Puerto Rico’s individual athletes also delivered encouraging performances throughout the opening day of competition.

In tennis, Yannik Álvarez advanced to the quarterfinals with a dominant 6-0, 6-0 victory over Cuba’s Alberto González, while Marko Mesarovik moved on after his Jamaican opponent, Nicholas Gore, retired from the match. Mesarovik also teamed with Natalia Pérez to defeat El Salvador in mixed doubles.

In compound archery, Jean Pizarro secured a place in the semifinals after defeating Guatemala’s Pedro Salazar 147-144.

Golf also provided positive news for Puerto Rico, as María Fernanda Torres Martínez finished the opening round atop the women’s leaderboard with a score of 70, while Jerónimo José Esteve stood 11th in the men’s standings.

Cyclist Abner González placed seventh in the men’s road race, while surfers Mia Calderón, Jazmine Dean, Jaime Javier Martínez and Dwight Pastrana all advanced to the next rounds of their respective events.

In skeet shooting, Luis Bermúdez finished third in the men’s qualifying round, while Paola Bermúdez Latorre placed fourth in the women’s competition, keeping both shooters in contention for medals.

Following a symbolic Opening Ceremony on Friday and a productive first day of competition on Saturday, Puerto Rico has made an early statement at Santo Domingo 2026, demonstrating that its athletes are prepared to contend for medals and continue the island’s tradition of excellence at the Central American and Caribbean Games.