The brother of Moisés David Torres Puig, a Cuban goalkeeper who left the Cuban delegation during the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo 2026, reached out to journalist Magdiel Jorge Castro on Sunday, seeking assistance for the young athlete's precarious situation.
"Please, this is my brother. His name is Moisés Torres Puig. He has no one there and lacks a passport. Please support him," the family member's message, sent directly to the journalist, was shared by Castro on social media.
In response, the journalist broadcasted the plea, urging the Cuban community in the Dominican Republic, along with Dominican institutions and officials, to provide guidance and assistance to the athlete.
Legal Challenges for Cuban Athletes in the Dominican Republic
The legal landscape for athletes defecting in the Dominican Republic is fraught with unique challenges, further heightening Torres' vulnerability.
Originally from Las Tunas, Torres Puig was the second goalkeeper for the Cuban men's field hockey team. On Friday, July 24, he became the first Cuban athlete to leave the delegation during these Central American Games. He was also the youngest player on the team.
The Escape Plan
The escape took place while the team was watching a women's Cuban team match at the stadium. Torres seized the moment to execute a meticulously planned escape.
"I was really nervous about getting caught. I felt they suspected something, but I asked for ice, claiming I got hit by a ball during practice, which eased the situation a bit," Torres Puig recounted in an audio shared by Dporto Sports News.
Once the guards were less vigilant, he moved to execute the next phase of his plan.
"I then said I was going to throw the ice in a bin in the stadium hallway, and that's when I managed to leave with the person who got me out of there. We swapped clothes and walked until the Uber arrived," he explained in the same audio.
Post-Escape Struggles
After his escape, Torres Puig attempted to reach out to his teammates but to no avail.
"I've tried contacting some team members, but no one has responded. I imagine the atmosphere is quite tense," he commented.
Context of Mass Defections
This incident is part of a broader trend of mass defections in Cuban sports. Just days prior, nine out of twelve members of the canoeing team left the delegation during a training camp in Montreal, Canada, between July 15 and 18, marking the largest defection in that sport's history for Cuba.
Field hockey also has its history of defections: five players left the delegation during the Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile, in November 2023, followed by three more in Barcelona in May of the same year.
Understanding the Crisis of Cuban Athletes Abroad
What challenges do Cuban athletes face when they defect?
Cuban athletes often face legal, financial, and social challenges when they defect, including lack of support networks, legal status issues, and difficulty finding stable livelihoods.
How does the international community respond to Cuban athletes who defect?
The international community's response varies, with some countries offering asylum or support, while others may not recognize their status, leaving athletes in precarious situations.
Why do Cuban athletes choose to defect?
Cuban athletes often defect in search of better opportunities, freedom from political constraints, and the chance to secure a more prosperous future abroad.