SAN SALVADOR.- The Dominican karateka María Dimitrova, specialist in the kata modality, has been a sample of constancy and dedication in the last five editions of the Central American and Caribbean Games.

With her movements and techniques to apply in a refined way each kata she presents, Dimitrova has become the monarch of this event in the region and last Thursday she proved it by winning in San Salvador 2023.

However, for Dimitrova the achievement “has not been at all easy,” as perhaps one might think.

“This medal has been the most difficult of the five I have won in Central American and Caribbean Games,” considered the experienced athlete.

Maria Dimitrova has conquered the gold medal in the kata modality, since the edition of Cartagena de Indias 2006, including Mayagüez 2010, Veracruz 2014, Barranquilla 2018, up to San Salvador 2023.

She explained that as the years go by the level of her rivals increases, indicating that there are more and more young people, who show greater agility and strength in the katas they present.

“Things in these games were very close and difficult, but once again we took the gold medal,” said Dimitrova, who used the “Papuren” kata in the final to beat, 4.90 to 4.60, the Colombian Valentina Zapata.

She said she was happy not only to have won the medal, but also to see how the practice of kata has grown in the Central American and Caribbean region.

She said that the key to remain among the elite has been perseverance and preparation, although she pointed out that after becoming a mother things have been more complicated because she must also pay attention to the family, as well as other commitments.

“Unlike previous years, I dedicate this medal to myself for the sacrifice and effort I have had to make.

“She made it clear that she is focused on reaching the Pan American Games in Santiago de Chile and then she will determine if she will retire or not