On Sunday, Cuba concluded its participation in the 47th Judo World Championships held in Baku with a 4-0 defeat against Turkey in the mixed team tournament. This marked one of the country's most disappointing performances in recent years, with no medals and only two victories out of 13 matches across individual and team phases, as reported by the state-run website Cubadebate.
This outcome marked the third consecutive World Championship where the Cuban team failed to reach the podium, following similar results in Doha 2023 and Budapest 2025. This represents the worst streak since the post-Essen 1987 period, according to competition records.
In the 100 kg category, Iván Felipe Silva was the sole Cuban judoka to secure two victories before being eliminated in the round of 16 by Japan's Dota Arai, who later became the division's runner-up. Silva, a veteran who claimed a world silver medal in Baku eight years prior, finished ninth and earned 320 points towards his Olympic ranking, his primary goal in this cycle.
The Struggles of the Cuban Judo Team
The rest of the Cuban team performed below expectations. Five judokas faced first-round eliminations: Jonathan Charón (60 kg), Orlando Polanco (66 kg), Lian Benavides (57 kg), Maylín del Toro (63 kg), and Lianet Cardona (78 kg). Dayanara Curbelo was knocked out in the round of 32 in the over 78 kg category by France's Romane Ficko.
State media journalist Joel García highlighted several factors contributing to the team's failure in his analysis for Cubadebate: "The decline in international participation over the past 24 months and the technical shortcomings within our team. Additionally, arriving at the competition venue with just over 24 hours before stepping onto the tatami, compounded by preparation amidst power outages, food and transportation issues, among others, played a role."
Challenges and Hopes for the Future
Adding to these challenges was the absence of Andy Granda (+100 kg), regarded as the team's strongest medal contender, who did not travel to Baku due to injury recovery. According to Cubadebate, Cuba's participation in the World Championships was only possible with financial support from the International Judo Federation.
Meanwhile, in the 52 kg category, Ayumi Leiva Sánchez, who represented Spain, won a bronze medal. The judoka emigrated and became a Spanish citizen. García acknowledged that her success "was nurtured and developed in Cuba," highlighting the impact of athlete migration on Cuban sports: at least 12 judokas emigrated between 2022 and 2024, weakening the national team's succession.
On the international stage, Japan dominated the medal standings with eight golds, two silvers, and three bronzes. Georgia secured second place, while host Azerbaijan achieved its best medal haul ever with seven. As a continent, the Americas failed to claim any podium finishes.
Looking ahead, Cuba faces the future with only four spots secured for the Pan American Games and the looming pressure of the Los Angeles Olympics. The next judo World Championship will take place in Astana, Kazakhstan, in June 2027, where García expressed hope for "at least a shout of medals, as this Cuban silence in a discipline where we remain fifth historically in gold count satisfies no one."
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Judo Performance
Why did Cuba perform poorly at the Baku 2026 Judo World Championships?
Cuba's subpar performance was attributed to a decline in international participation, technical shortcomings, logistical challenges, and the absence of key athlete Andy Granda due to injury.
Who was the standout performer for Cuba at the championships?
Iván Felipe Silva was the standout performer, achieving two victories in the 100 kg category before being eliminated in the round of 16. He finished ninth overall and earned valuable Olympic ranking points.
What are Cuba's prospects for future judo competitions?
Cuba aims to improve its performance with four slots secured for the Pan American Games and is preparing for the Los Angeles Olympics. The next major competition is the 2027 World Championship in Astana, Kazakhstan.