The Mexican national badminton team successfully closed its participation in the XV Mexican International 2024, held at the Poliforum Deportivo y Cultural Universitario Morelos in Aguascalientes, achieving a total of four podiums in various modalities. This tournament brought together outstanding competitors from different parts of the world and allowed the Mexican representatives to demonstrate their competitive level in the international arena.
Luis Armando Montoya shone in the men’s individual category by winning the silver medal after an intense final against the American Mark Alcalá. Despite his effort and skills on the court, Montoya was defeated in an exciting match that ended 2-1 (21-15, 18-21 and 21-12). For her part, in the women’s branch, Sabrina Solís reached the podium by obtaining the bronze medal. Her path stopped in the semifinals after a confrontation with the Guatemalan Nikte Sotomayor, who won 2-0 (21-14 and 21-14).
The duo made up of Miriam Rodríguez and Luis Armando Montoya became champions in the mixed doubles category. The Mexican couple demonstrated impeccable coordination and strategy by defeating the Guatemalans Christopher Martínez and Diana Corleto with a score of 2-0 (21-16 and 21-11). This victory underlines the talent of the duo and reinforces their position as one of the strongest on the national team. Third place in this test went to the Americans Yu-Yuan Chang and Katelin Ngo.
Miriam Rodríguez extended her winning streak by winning another gold medal, this time in the women’s doubles category with her partner Romina Fregoso. Both athletes, bronze winners at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games, showed their skill and strength by beating fellow Mexicans Cecilia Madera and Isabella Puente in the final with partial scores of 2-0 (21-16 and 21-17). The Peruvian sisters Fernanda and Rafaela Munar took third place in this competition.
The successes obtained by the Mexican badminton team in the Aguascalientes tournament reflect the effort and preparation of the athletes, as well as the support of the National Commission of Physical Culture and Sports (CONADE) and other sports institutions. These results not only celebrate the individual and team performance of the players, but also reaffirm Mexico’s potential in badminton at the international level.
With the closing of its participation in the Mexican International 2024, the national team is already focusing on its next challenge: the Canadian International Challenge 2024, which will take place in the city of Markham from December 3 to 8. This event represents a crucial opportunity for athletes to continue adding experience and consolidate themselves for future commitments, including qualifiers and larger competitions.
The performance of the players, especially figures such as Luis Montoya and Miriam Rodríguez, highlights the importance of continuing to promote the development of badminton in the country. The achievements obtained in tournaments like this not only provide medals and recognition, but also inspire new generations of athletes to follow this path of effort and success. Furthermore, the fact that players like Rodríguez and Fregoso have repeated an outstanding result after their participation in the Pan American Games in Santiago 2023 is an indication of the good moment that women’s badminton is experiencing in Mexico.
The tournament in Aguascalientes made it clear that competition at the international level is intense, but it also showed that Mexico has the necessary talent to face and overcome great rivals. The national medalists demonstrated not only their technical ability, but also a great mentality and perseverance in each match, which allowed them to stand out in an event that brought together high-level athletes.
The preparation and dedication of these athletes will be essential for the upcoming challenges. With its participation in the Canadian International Challenge 2024, the team will seek to strengthen its level and continue achieving successes that contribute to positioning Mexico as a benchmark in badminton at a continental and international level.
