With the hope of maintaining its position among the region's top powers, Colombia faces a new challenge in the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo. Despite the economic difficulties that have surrounded the national sport in recent years, the delegation arrived with optimism and arguments for the 25th edition of the tournament, which is part of the cycle to the Los Angeles-2028 Olympic Games.
The Colombian team arrived convinced that it has the level to defend, and even improve, the second place achieved three years ago in El Salvador. This is what Paulo César Villar, former athlete and current director of the Colombian Olympic Committee (COC), considers, highlighting the preparation process of the athletes and the potential of a delegation of 475 athletes (212 women and 263 men) who will compete in 34 disciplines until August 8.
In the 2023 edition, in San Salvador, Colombia signed one of its best performances by winning 87 gold medals, 92 silver and 65 bronze, a result that allowed it to place behind Mexico (145-108-100) and ahead of Cuba (74-59-63). Now, the challenge is to maintain that privileged position or take a step further in the medal table.
Confidence in the process
Although the competitions have already begun with water polo and badminton, the official opening ceremony will take place this Friday at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium. Facing the full start of the games, Villar considers that the work done during the Olympic cycle allows looking at the panorama with optimism, although he recognizes that the competitive level of the region obliges to maintain caution.
Talent is maintained
Villar also highlighted that, despite the budgetary limitations that athletes have faced in recent years, Colombia continues to form athletes capable of competing for the top places. “Colombia has athletes of great level and a very promising generation. There are names like Stefany Cuadrado in track cycling, Ronal Longa in athletics, as well as strong teams in team sports like volleyball and football. From the Olympic Committee, we work hand in hand with federations to bring the best representatives and now we hope that that potential will be reflected in the competition”, he commented.
The challenge of the new Government
Villar, who was also a representative of the Colombian Olympic Committee in the previous edition, highlighted that the new government has demonstrated its commitment to the national sport. “The President of the Republic has been clear in his support for Colombian sports and we have seen an increase in investment in infrastructure and resources for athletes”, he stated.
Currently, the Colombian delegation is in Santo Domingo, where the competitions of water polo and badminton have already begun. The official opening ceremony will take place this Friday at the Félix Sánchez Olympic Stadium. With the hope of maintaining its position among the region's top powers, Colombia faces a new challenge in the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo.
Last result: Switzerland 0-0 Colombia (2026-07-07). Recent form (last 5): 3W-2D-0L (DWDWW, most recent first); unbeaten in the last 5.
