CDMX, Mexico.- In the 2024 edition of the National Sports Award (PND), the Mexican government paid tribute to athletes, coaches, judges and promoters who have excelled at the national and international level. This award, one of the most prestigious in the country, highlights the effort, discipline and positive impact of these athletes in Mexican sports, and the ceremony will be presided over by President Claudia Sheinbaum on November 20.
Who were the awarded athletes?
In the Olympic year, the list of winners in the Non-Professional Sports category was headed by outstanding medalists from the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Among them are the judoka Prisca Awitiwho made history by being the first Mexican woman to win an Olympic medal in judo by winning silver in the 63 kg category. Divers Osmar Olvera and Juan Celaya were also recognized for their outstanding performance, winning silver in the synchronized 3-meter springboard modality. Boxer Marco Verde, who reached the final in the 71 kg category, won the silver medal in Paris and closed the year with a gold at the Pan American Games in Chile.
In the Paralympic Sports category, the shot putter Gloria Zarza and the sprinter Juan Pablo Cervantes received the recognition after obtaining gold in their respective events at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games. Zarza triumphed in the shot put F54, while Cervantes won the title in the 100 meters T54, both showing outstanding representation of Mexico on the Paralympic stage.
Recognitions in other categories
The soccer player Charlyn Corralstar of Club Pachuca, was distinguished in the Professional Sports category. With a long career of success both in Mexico and abroad, Corral has established herself as one of the main figures in women’s soccer.
In the field of coaches, Radamés Hernández, who guided Marco Verde to the Olympic podium, as well as Iván Rodríguez and Martín Velasco, who worked with Paralympic medalists Gloria Zarza and Juan Pablo Cervantes, were recognized for their dedication to training athletes. high performance.
Awards for career and promotion of sport
Alejandra Orozco, who recently announced her retirement, and Daniel Aceves, wrestler and 1984 Los Angeles Olympic medalist, were awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award. Orozco, with medals in London 2012 and Tokyo 2020, and Aceves, an active promoter of the sport since his retirement, represent two of the most outstanding stories in national sport.
The Harp Helú Foundation was also recognized in the category of Promotion and Promotion of Sports, for its valuable work in promoting the development of young sports talents in Mexico.
Arbitration and the inclusion of women in sports
The award in the Judge category was awarded to referee Katia Itzel García, who has achieved notable recognition in the field of refereeing of the Liga MX and the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. García has demonstrated great commitment and professionalism, consolidating the presence of women in sports arbitration.
Each of the winners will receive a diploma, a medal and a financial incentive of 796 thousand pesos, in recognition of their contributions to the development and excellence in Mexican sports. The 2024 National Sports Award thus celebrates the achievements of those who have raised the name of Mexico in international competitions, underlining the positive impact and inspiration that each of them represents for society.
