Martinez acknowledged Mexico is seen as a big rival in this discipline, showing great results in world championships and qualifying events it attends frequently. It is not the case of Cuba, he said, given the country’s economic plights.

Martinez stated that Guatemala is also considered as a very strong rival, while stressing the Cuban team has a renewed mentality and longs to compete with all its might.

“Our athletes are aware of they have potential to win medals; the color will be determined by the competition itself”.

He said that six athletes are included in the Cuban team qualified for the regional competition, which will be officially opened on Friday evening in San Salvador.

pll/ybc/lam/mpv