The strength, dedication, and talent of the judokas shone this Wednesday, April 15, with the participation of athletes from Panama, Argentina, Colombia, Venezuela, Paraguay, Peru, Brazil, and Chile in both the men’s and women’s divisions, featuring high-level matches held at the Combat Center of the Irving Saladino Sports City.
With determination, 17 year old Brazilian Manuela Maia from Flamengo claimed the gold medal after defeating Yatnelis Rodríguez. On her way to victory, Maia overcame Martina Jorqueira from Chile, Danna Cabtoni Cortés from Colombia, and Yatnelis Rodríguez from Venezuela. Meanwhile, 16 year old Mello Yago defeated Sait Báez from Chile, Axel Díaz from Peru, and Daniel Palomino in the final of the 81 kg category.
Maia and Yago, at another level, are a source of Brazilian pride at the top of the South American podium at the IV South American Youth Games Panama 2026
Gold medal – Manuela Maia of Brazil
In women’s judo, they were the protagonists who stepped onto the South American podium:
Women’s -63 kg category
- Gold: Manuela Maia – Brazil
- Silver: Yatnelis Rodríguez – Venezuela
- Bronze: Danna Canroñi – Argentina
- Bronze: Uma Valdez – Colombia
Gold medal – Mello Yago
81 kg category
- Gold: Mello Yago – Brazil
- Silver: Daniel Palomino – Colombia
- Bronze: Jorge Natera – Venezuela
- Bronze: Adrián Holguín – Panama
