Ivan Silva Extends His Legacy with Another Gold; Andy Granda Secures a Double Gold Win for Cuba

On Monday, Cuban judo achieved a remarkable milestone during the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026: Ivan Silva clinched the gold medal in the 100 kg category, while Andy Granda triumphed in the +100 kg division, delivering a golden double that underscores Cuba's dominance on the regional judo stage.

Hailing from Colón, Matanzas, Silva defeated Colombia's Francisco Balanta in the final with a wazari, claiming his third Central American and Caribbean title and his fourth overall medal in these games. This marked his first gold in the 100 kg division, having previously won medals in three different weight classes.

“Finally, that third Central American title, fourth medal at these games. It was a challenge, a new division. I've won medals in three different divisions at the Central American Games,” Silva stated in an interview with Radio Rebelde following his victory.

This victory was especially sweet, as Balanta had previously bested him in the qualification round, although Silva had defeated him at the Pan American Championship. The rematch was the result of a well-planned strategy devised with his coaching team. “From the start, it was the tactic we discussed with the trainers. They focused on more throws and then controlling the match, managing the tactical aspect without taking too many risks,” explained the judoka from Matanzas.

Silva also highlighted his successful recovery from a shoulder injury that had sidelined him for an extended period. “Thankfully, I've recovered very well, and I owe a lot to Dr. Tarragona, who is here with us at the Games. This has been crucial for me to compete again and be at the peak of my abilities, winning titles,” he affirmed.

The champion now sets his sights on an Olympic medal, confident that his speed—a natural advantage over larger opponents—will be his key weapon. “I rely on my speed, coming from two lighter divisions, making me faster than the 100 kg athletes. But I need to continue building strength and enhancing my tactics,” he acknowledged.

Cuban Judo's Bright Future

Meanwhile, Andy Granda, the +100 kg world judo champion in Tashkent 2022 and a two-time Pan American champion, completed the double by defeating Dominican José Nova Alcántara by ippon in the +100 kg final, according to Prensa Latina. His victory in a packed arena full of Dominican fans reinforced his status as a leading figure in the category across the region.

Granda achieved this title after becoming a Pan American champion in Santiago, Chile, in 2025 and winning the Central American cups in Panama and Guatemala in 2026, although he missed out on an Olympic medal in Paris 2024 after losing the bronze medal match.

The day also featured a bronze medal win for Dayanara Curbelo (+78 kg), just 20 years old, making her debut in these games. The young judoka, a junior Pan American champion, defeated Nicaragua's Izayana Marenco to claim third place. “I'm very, very, very happy with my bronze medal, my first Central American Games,” expressed Curbelo, who has already secured direct qualification for the Pan American Games.

With these results, Cuba ranked third in the overall medal tally of Santo Domingo 2026, with six golds, two silvers, and six bronzes, totaling 14 medals, largely propelled by a judo team that added five gold medals in a single day.

Reflecting on the generational transition, Silva shared a message of confidence in the future: “Some of the young athletes coming up, I believe the future is in good hands when Andy and I retire from active competition. There's a lot of talent and great capability.”