Santa Cruz Defines Judo Team for Araucanía 2026 Binational Games
Santa Cruz has selected its male and female judo athletes for the 2026 Binational Games of Araucanía, according to an official announcement by the Secretariat of State for Sport and Recreation published by noticias.santacruz.gob.ar. The provincial roster was determined following a selection event held this Sunday at the Center for High-Performance Sports in Río Gallegos, known as the CePARD, where young athletes from different localities of Santa Cruz competed in various weight categories to secure a spot on the provincial team and determine the primary titleholders, while second-place finishers were designated as alternatives in their respective divisions. The selection process marked the conclusion of a stage of evaluation and competition for judocas who had been working toward this objective through months of training, providing them an opportunity to translate their efforts to an international scenario and gain experience, strengthen bonds, and acquire new tools for their athletic development.
Provincial Trials Determine Weight Class Competitors
The provincial trials established the primary competitors and alternates across multiple weight classes for the upcoming international competition. According to The Southern Opinion, the men’s division features Jonathan Acosta of Caleta Olivia taking first place in the under-60 kilogram category ahead of Gael Prado from El Calafate. In the under-66 kg bracket, Gonzalo Vivar of Caleta Olivia secured the top spot over Korec Silva of El Calafate. Benjamín Nicolai of Río Gallegos won the under-73 kg division, with Facundo Yugar of Caleta Olivia finishing second. Marcos Pedrozo of El Calafate claimed the under-81 kg category, while Renzo Alonso, also from El Calafate, won the under-90 kg class ahead of Kevin Torres from Río Gallegos. The female squad notably includes Thiara Barcelo from Caleta Olivia among its broader mentions in official listings alongside the roster.
For the women’s division, La Vanguardia Noticias reports that Ana Paula De Lima of El Calafate won the under-52 kg category. Priscilla Pazos of El Calafate secured the under-57 kg spot ahead of Lucía Mancilla from Las Heras. Melody González of El Calafate took the under-63 kg class, finishing ahead of Ana Benítez of Caleta Olivia. Bárbara Baylet of Caleta Olivia won the under-70 kg division, and Desiree Polaco of El Calafate rounded out the roster by taking the under-78 kg class.
Coaches Lead Athletes from Four Localities
The provincial team will operate under the direction of designated coaches from the participating localities. Vanesa Tittarelli of El Calafate will lead the female squad, while Federico Serra Vargas, also of El Calafate, will manage the male squad, as detailed by the Secretariat of State for Sport and Recreation. The broader delegation includes athletes originating from Caleta Olivia, El Calafate, Río Gallegos, and Las Heras.
The provincial government handles the organization, preparation, and logistical support required to field the team in inter-jurisdictional competition, accompanying the development of these teams and their participation in national and binational events through the Secretariat of State for Sport and Recreation.
Judo Events Take Place in Panguipulli
The competition is scheduled to run from October 24 through October 31, 2026, in the Los Ríos Region of Chile, as reported by The Southern Opinion. The judo events will take place inside the Newen-Pulli Multisport Complex in the city of Panguipulli.