Radio Cadena Agramonte emisiora de Camagüey
Havana, Dec 20.- The Cuban Federation of Basque Pelota and Racquetball announced its most outstanding athletes of the year 2025.
Havana's Daniela Darriba and Guantánamo's Wendy Durán were recognized as the top female pelota players.
Their bronze medal win in the women's doubles frontenis event at the inaugural Frontón 30 Meters Nations League, held in Aguascalientes, Mexico, supported the decision.
This result, along with their qualification for the Absolute World Championship in Venado Tuerto, Argentina 2026, also earned them a mention among the country's top athletes of the year.
The recognition was likewise extended to their coach, Havana's Alejandro Placer, as confirmed to JIT by the national commissioner of the discipline, Lázaro Mendoza Simón.
Among the men, Ciego de Ávila's Dariel Leiva was honored for his fourth-place finish in the Mexican competition and his qualification for next year's world event.
Havana's Christian Menéndez, a double junior world racquetball champion, stood out among the boys in this category, while Santiago de Cuba's Estefany Mojena earned the recognition among the girls.
Twelve members of the national Basque pelota and racquetball team in the senior category were highlighted for their performances during the year.
Coaches Placer and fellow Havana native Carlos Granda, along with Santiago de Cuba's Omelio Escalona, were recognized as the top coaches in both sports.
The award for best activist went to Havana's Julio Antonio Estévez.
The referee recognized for his outstanding work during the concluding year was Ciego de Ávila's Yandy Espinoza.
Havana once again earned the merit as the most well-rounded province, thanks to its crown in the national racquetball competition and its silver and bronze medals in the school and youth games, respectively. (Text and photo: JIT)
