I cannot deny that I have a bittersweet feeling regarding the Cuban performance at the Asunción 2025 Youth Pan American Games.

On one hand, I am happy and proud of what these young athletes achieved, of practically each and every one of them. On the other, there is the frustration of knowing they are capable of much, much more.

At the well-organized event in Paraguay, which featured over four thousand competitors from 41 nations, our athletes did not arrive on an equal footing with the rest, as is customary.

The training conditions in our national training centers are far from ideal, in some cases with serious problems regarding equipment and nutrition that is also not optimal. When you add to this the fact that they practically go straight into competition with almost no international experience, what they achieve is truly commendable.

Over the years, we have become accustomed to all kinds of heroic feats. However, in these youth categories, the difference is much more noticeable because these young athletes have not yet acquired the mastery and experience that partly compensate for these shortcomings.

That is why it is a great reason for joy to see them give their all in every competition. I am enormously proud of the effort of the more than 200 boys and girls who represented us in Asunción 2025.

A cold statistical analysis shows that we fell short in the medal count compared to Cali-Valle 2021. It must also not be forgotten that, also a sadly traditional occurrence in the last decade, we competed in just over half of the scheduled events.

The 19 gold, 13 silver, and 15 bronze medals are below the 29-19-22 from the previous edition, where we finished behind Brazil, Colombia, the United States, and Mexico. This time, Canada and Argentina also finished ahead of us, resulting in a seventh-place position on the medal table.

Once again, athletics, canoeing, and wrestling led the way in terms of results. But I reiterate my desire to congratulate them all for their dedication under the difficult conditions they faced.

Great credit is also due to those who secured the 17 quotas for the 2027 Lima Pan American Games for senior athletes. They must arrive there with better preparation.

The tense economic situation in the country, which clearly has its reflection in sports, will continue to force them to give their maximum. But they should know that we here are fully aware of what they must face, and they will be no less valued for finishing outside the medals. Every battle they fight on those stages is in itself a victory earned with their blood, sweat, and tears, and even those of their families. They have every reason to be proud, and let no one take that away from them.

Translated by Sergio A. Paneque Díaz / CubaSí Translation Staff