In a disappointing turn of events, Luis Orta, the Olympic champion from Tokyo 2020 and world champion in 2023, was unable to progress to the repechage round, ending Cuba's participation at the 2025 Wrestling World Championships in Zagreb with a single bronze medal. Competing in the 67 kg category, Orta began with decisive victories over Ukraine's Maksym Liu (10-0) and Turkey's Murat Firat (2-1), but fell in the quarterfinals with a 2-4 loss to Russian Daniial Agaev, who competed under a neutral flag. Agaev's subsequent elimination by Iran's Saeid Gholi Esmaeil, the reigning Olympic champion from Paris 2024, meant Orta could not advance to the repechage, as reported by JIT.
A Disappointing Outcome
Cuba sent a team of seven wrestlers to the Croatian event, yet only freestyle wrestler Milaimis Marín (76 kg), an Olympic bronze medalist from Paris, managed to reach the podium, also earning a bronze medal. This result starkly contrasts with the achievements in Belgrade 2023, where the Cuban delegation secured two world titles and a bronze, with Orta and Gabriel Rosillo becoming champions and Óscar Pino taking third place.
A Decline for a Historical Powerhouse
The conclusion in Zagreb signifies a significant setback for Cuban wrestling, a sport that has historically delivered Olympic and world medals for decades. The contrast with previous editions highlights a crisis in performance, underscored by the lack of fresh talent, the exodus of skilled athletes, and the structural challenges faced by sports on the Island.
FAQs on Cuba's Performance at the Wrestling World Championship
Who was the only Cuban wrestler to win a medal in Zagreb 2025?
Milaimis Marín was the only Cuban wrestler to secure a medal, winning a bronze in the 76 kg category.
How did Luis Orta perform in the championship?
Luis Orta won his initial matches against competitors from Ukraine and Turkey but was defeated by Russian Daniial Agaev in the quarterfinals, preventing further advancement.
What challenges does Cuban wrestling currently face?
Cuban wrestling is currently dealing with a lack of new talent, the emigration of skilled wrestlers, and structural difficulties within the sport.