Abandonments in Cuban sport: A persistent problem for decades

Cuban Athletes Disappear in Asunción: A New Chapter in the History of Abandonments

The possible defection of four Cuban athletes in Asunción, Paraguay, during the 2025 Junior Pan American Games, has revived a problem that has affected Cuban sport for more than three decades. Enrique Riera, Paraguayan Minister of the Interior, confirmed that authorities are searching for the athletes following a complaint from the Cuban delegation. It is presumed that the athletes abandoned the team, although they have not yet requested political asylum.

“These have not yet taken any steps with Conare (National Commission for Stateless Persons and Refugees), but in principle that is the presumption we have,” said Riera.

Enrique Riera

According to information from ABC Cardinal, the athletes are three rowers and a handball player.

Baseball, Historically Affected

Baseball has been one of the sports most impacted by the defection of Cuban athletes. Figures like René Arocha, Aroldis Chapman, Yoenis Céspedes, José Abreu and Orlando ‘El Duque’ Hernández, who escaped from Cuba in 1997, are examples of this situation.

Cuban Boxing and Other Sports

Cuban boxing, the cradle of legendary figures like Teófilo Stevenson, has also suffered significant losses. Guillermo Rigondeaux, Odlanier Solís, Yuriorkis Gamboa, Yan Barthelemy, Andy Cruz, Yoenlis Hernández, and Osvel Caballero are some of the boxers who have left the Cuban ranks.

Abandonments have affected other disciplines, including athletics. Before the London 2012 Olympic Games, several elite athletes made the decision to represent other nations, such as Jordan Díaz and Yulenmis Aguilar (Spain), Pedro Pablo Pichardo (Portugal), Andy Díaz (Italy) and Yaimé Pérez.

Paraguay and Previous Cases

Paraguay has been the scene of similar situations with athletes from other countries. In 2018, a Paraguayan rugby club “sponsored” three Venezuelan players who decided to stay in the country after an under-20 championship.