Cuba is a sporting nation and it is also a natural passion for Cubans. The achievements far exceed what would be expected based on the size of the country along with its economy.
For years, Cuba has competed in a number of sports at top international level and often brought home medals. The Government has invested heavily in the promotion of sports in Cuba which very much contributes to its success also. Millions of young people in Cuba actively participate in amateur sports and therefore, when it comes to selecting for the national sports teams, the sports officials in Cuba have a great and vast selection to choose from.
Baseball in Cuba
Baseball is considered to be the national sport of Cuba and the sport which most Cubans are very passionate about. Cuba has a long history of playing this sport which goes back to the 19th century. The national baseball team of Cuba is easily the best in Latin America and more often than not, dominates regional competitions in this sport. Every province in Cuba has its own baseball team while Havana has two and Isla de la Juventad (Isle of Youth) has another. There are a total of 16 baseball teams in the national Baseball League. The sports season commences in early Autumn and concludes with national finals in May.
Boxing in Cuba
Boxing in Cuba has enjoyed great success on the international stage and is most definitely a dominant force. Cuba always comes home from the Olympics with a few medals in this sport and practically dominates the world Amateur Boxing Championships, winning gold medals in almost all weights. All Cuban sports are operated on an amateur basis therefore; Cuban boxers do not participate in the lucrative professional boxing bouts. Cuba has won a total of 25 gold Olympic or World Championship medals in Boxing no doubt will continue to be a leader in this sport for many more years to come.
Athletics in Cuba
Cuba also has a great history in Athletics known also track and field. The first Olympic success in this sport by Cuba came in 1964 in Tokyo when Enrique Figuerola won the silver for the Mens’ 100 metre sprint. Cuba continued to provide top contributors to this sport in the international arena with the likes of Alberto Juantorena Danger dominating this sport in Cuba during the 1970s, setting 2 new world records, he also won Gold for Cuba at Montreal in 1976 in the 400m and 800m. In the 1990s, there were three names that came to the forefront of this sport in Cuba. They are, Iván Pedroso, Ana Fidelia Quiroz and Javier Sotomayor. These three athletes have all won honours for Cuba in their respective sporting events at various international Sporting competitions.
Other sports and pastimes include Football (Soccer), Basketball and Volleyball.