UNAPEC and APEC crowned kata champions during the 2026 University Sports Games
The excitement of karate took over the 2026 University Sports Games, where UNAPEC and APEC universities managed to dominate the kata category, taking top honors in the women’s and men’s divisions, respectively. This grand event is organized by the Ministry of Sports and Recreation (MIDEREC), under the leadership of Minister Kelvin Cruz, in conjunction with the Dominican Association of University Rectors.
Mastery on the tatami
In the women’s competition, the UNAPEC team took the gold medal, leaving second place to the Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra (PUCMM). For their part, APEC and O&M shared the third position on the podium. In the men’s category, the representatives of APEC demonstrated their superiority by taking the gold medal, followed by PUCMM with the silver, while UCNE and O&M shared the bronze.
Outstanding individual results
- Women’s: Perla Peralta (UNAPEC) took the gold, Monserrat Salazar (PUCMM) obtained the silver, while Johanliz Corneille (APEC) and Yagreisy Medrano (UTESA) shared the bronze.
- Men’s: Lizardo Germán (APEC) conquered first place, Fernando Hernández (PUCMM) reached the silver, and athletes Edward Vásquez (O&M) and Poncio Landrón (UCNE) took home the bronze.
The medal ceremony was led by the Vice Minister of Sports, Juan Vila, representing Minister Kelvin Cruz, together with José Luis Ramírez “Borola”, president of the Dominican Karate Federation.
The 2026 University Sports Games continue to consolidate themselves as the most important student sports event in the country, bringing together more than 2,300 athletes from 23 higher education institutions. The competitors demonstrate their talent and discipline across 16 different sports disciplines, reaffirming the university sector’s commitment to the development of national sports.
