Panama Claims Gold on Opening Day of Women's Judo at Santo Domingo 2026

SANTO DOMINGO. Panama captured the first gold medal in women’s judo at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games Santo Domingo 2026, during the opening day of the discipline in the -48 kg individual event.

Panamanian judoka Némesis Candelo claimed the women’s individual title after defeating Dominican Estefania Sorianoin the final. Soriano delivered an outstanding performance to earn the silver medal for the Dominican Republic.

The bronze medals were won by Erika Lasso of Colombia, who prevailed over Edna Carrillo, and Gabriela Mirandaof Venezuela, who defeated Cuba’s Yainet Coronado in her bronze-medal contest.

With these results, Panama secured the first gold medal in women’s judo at Santo Domingo 2026, while the Dominican Republic claimed silver, and Colombia and Venezuela completed the podium with the bronze medals.