Cuba closed out the Central American and Caribbean chapter of Santo Domingo in third place in the overall medal standings and celebrated securing 70 berths for the Pan American Games in Lima 2027.

At the Centennial Games, the national delegation earned qualification for next year's continental competition in five of the 19 sports that were contesting berths: handball, field hockey, athletics, archery, and rhythmic gymnastics.

In assessing Cuba's performance in Santo Domingo 2026, the Cuban delegation stated that the recently concluded competition confirmed the rising competitive level across the region and the consolidation of Mexico and Colombia as its leading powers.

It also acknowledged the progress made by Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, as well as the contribution of Cuban coaches — 106 of whom helped secure 52 gold medals, 58 silver, and 83 bronze across 19 countries.

Regarding Cuba's own performance at the multi-sport event, the delegation noted that the 51 gold medals leading the standings, rounded out by 48 silver and 56 bronze, fell short of the 62 golds projected based on analyses conducted with the technical staffs following the latest adjustments to the competition schedule.

At the same time, it noted that 34 of the gold medals came from athletes and teams who had been favored to win them, while 23 of the remaining 28 medal contenders still reached the podium.

A total of 15 sports produced Cuban-dominated titles, led by wrestling (10) and judo (six), followed by field hockey (two), handball (two), and beach volleyball (men's gold and women's silver).

In the statement released, the Cuban delegation emphasized that regardless of the medal count, records, and other achievements — and of the disappointment tied to unmet goals — "the third-place finish in the country standings deserves recognition, fulfilling what had been forecast, though this does not mean overlooking the need to reconsider what we could have done, and can still do, better, even under current conditions."

It further stated that the team, made up largely of young athletes who trained through blackouts and shortages caused by the weight of the United States blockade, faced the challenge with joy and determination.

Overcoming disadvantages ranging from technology to competitive experience, as well as unfair officiating decisions that limited their performance, the delegation upheld the values of a humanistic sport, respecting fair play and their opponents, aware that their supporters applaud nobility, dignity, and decorum — even when these do not always lead to the podium, the statement noted.

In its message, the Cuban delegation stressed that beyond the joys and disappointments brought by their results, athletes and coaches gave their all as a tribute to the centennial of Comandante en Jefe Fidel Castro Ruz and the 60th anniversary of the Cerro Pelado feat.