Weightlifting Raises the Curtain on the Road to Santo Domingo 2026

The journey toward the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games is officially underway. From this Monday through Saturday the 13th, the Dominican Republic becomes the regional epicenter of weightlifting with the celebration of the Weightlifting Qualifier, a key competition on the continental sports calendar that brings together athletes from more than 26 countries at the José Joaquín Puello Pavilion in Parque del Este.

This event—unique within the qualification cycle—will award 160 official quota places for the Central American and Caribbean Games, ensuring the participation of the region’s top performers. In each of the eight categories, both male and female, 10 athletes per gender will qualify.

Women will compete in the 48, 53, 58, 63, 69, 77, 86, and +86 kg divisions, while the men’s categories include 60, 65, 71, 79, 88, 94, 110, and +110 kg. The event features Olympic and World Championship medalists, all vying to secure their place on the road to Santo Domingo 2026.

A Tournament of Meaning and Tribute

Beyond competition, the qualifier was marked by a significant act of recognition. During the ceremony, the Organizing Committee honored José Quiñones, José Monegro, and Luis Mejía Oviedo, President of Centro Caribe Sports, for their extraordinary contributions to the development of sport in the region and their unwavering spirit of service and solidarity.

The awards were presented by distinguished legends of Dominican weightlifting—Yuderqui Contreras, Wanda Rijo, José Familia, Luis Rosario, and Wendy Santana—reflecting the deep respect and admiration felt by athletes, coaches, officials, and the Dominican Weightlifting Federation toward the honorees, whose leadership has been fundamental in strengthening the regional sports movement.

“Standing on the podium and receiving recognition from the athletes themselves—hearing them and feeling their affection—is a privilege,” said Mejía Oviedo during the tribute.

The recognition highlights a career defined by constant work and commitment to the growth of sport in Central America and the Caribbean, as well as close support for federations and athletes throughout their development and transformation processes.

Santo Domingo, Capital of Regional Sport

With this qualifier, the Dominican Republic showcases its organizational capacity and its leading role in the lead-up to the 25th Central American and Caribbean Games, to be held from 24 July to 8 August 2026.