The National Institute of Sports, Physical Education, and Recreation (Inder) has condemned what it describes as "discriminatory" treatment by the United States government towards the Cuban delegation set to compete in the VI World Baseball Classic.
In an official statement released on the JIT website, Inder highlighted the denial of visas to eight team members, calling it "the latest act of aggression against our people and their national sport."
Visa Denials
According to the statement, the U.S. government's decision prevents the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation from fielding their team "under the same conditions as other participating nations."
The organization claimed that the measure impacts key areas of the team's operations, including the lack of a pitching coach and other specialists whose roles are crucial to the team's performance.
"The objective is to intentionally hinder and damage the participation and performance of the Cuban team," the statement asserts.
Inder also noted that since January 2025, Cuban athletes and officials have faced visa denials for events in the U.S.
Political Accusations
The statement accuses Washington of making a decision "with a clear political nature" and using its status as the host nation to disadvantage Cuba.
Additionally, it suggests that the measure might be aimed at forcing Cuba to withdraw from the event under these conditions.
While acknowledging the efforts of Major League Baseball (MLB) and tournament organizers to support the Cuban team's participation, Inder insisted that the U.S. government has imposed obstacles from the outset.
Historical Reference
The institution recalled the so-called "Cerro Pelado epic" of 1966, when, according to official accounts, the U.S. attempted to block Cuba's participation in the Central American and Caribbean Games in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
"Today, we will once again reach the Puerto Rican island and other venues of the VI World Classic with our Cultural Heritage, which is baseball," the statement concluded.
Impact of Visa Denials on Cuban Sports
How does the visa denial affect the Cuban baseball team?
The visa denial impacts the Cuban team by preventing key members, such as a pitching coach, from participating, which could hinder the team's overall performance in the tournament.
What historical event does Inder compare this situation to?
Inder compares the current situation to the "Cerro Pelado epic" of 1966, where the U.S. allegedly attempted to prevent Cuba from joining the Central American and Caribbean Games in Puerto Rico.