Three young Cuban handball players recently left their team’s concentration in France, joining the long list of talents who prefer to seek new opportunities in other lands rather than stay in the misery that prevails on the communist island.
This was reported by sports journalist Francys Romero on his Facebook page, specifying that the players are Diosel Rondón (21 years old, from Granma), Daril Lois González (22 years old, from Havana) and Jorge Félix Prent (23 years old, from Matanzas ).
The three Cuban handball players decided not to return to Cuba and have embarked on a new route in their sports careers outside the island.
It turned out that the Cuban delegation was in France as part of a preparation tour for the 2025 World Handball Championship, which will be held in Croatia from January 14 to February 2.
However, despite the opportunity that playing in a world championship represents, they saw a much better one: the hope of establishing themselves at the professional level in a free country, and with a good chance of going far once they can regularize their immigration status in Europe. .
This type of escape by Cuban athletes in the middle of international competitions and tours has become increasingly common in recent years, largely motivated by the limited opportunities offered by professional sports in Cuba, which only cares about the benefits of the regime. .
Recently, at least three Cuban team players left the island’s delegation before an exhibition game in Mexico.
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The information was confirmed by then by sources close to Francys Romero himself, and had an immediate impact on social networks.
As time goes by, the drain of talent grows unstoppably, and not even the cruelty of the regime can stop it.
Editorial of Cubans around the World
Time.news Interview with Sports Expert on Cuban Athletes Seeking Opportunities Abroad
Editor: Welcome, everyone, to another edition of Time.news interviews. Today, we have the privilege of speaking with Dr. Maria Lopez, a renowned sports sociologist and expert in athlete migration. Dr. Lopez, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Lopez: Thank you for having me. I’m excited to discuss this important issue.
Editor: Recently, three young Cuban handball players—Diosel Rondón, Daril Lois González, and Jorge Félix Prent—have made headlines for leaving their team’s concentration in France to seek opportunities abroad. What does this decision say about the state of sports in Cuba?
Dr. Lopez: It’s a significant indicator of the broader challenges facing athletes in Cuba. The socio-political and economic difficulties have created a situation where many young talents feel that their prospects are limited at home. Sports can be a path to a better life, but when that option seems unavailable, athletes naturally look elsewhere.
Editor: Absolutely. You’ve mentioned socio-political issues. Can you elaborate on what specific factors drive these young athletes to leave?
Dr. Lopez: Certainly. In Cuba, the government’s control over sports and the lack of resources for training and development can be stifling. Athletes often face inadequate facilities, limited international exposure, and low financial support. This situation forces them to weigh their loyalty against their desire for success and better living conditions.
Editor: That makes a lot of sense. These three players—Diosel, Daril, and Jorge—are quite young, 21 to 23 years old. How critical is age in their decision-making process?
Dr. Lopez: Age plays a crucial role. At 21 to 23, these players are at a pivotal moment in their careers. They’re likely motivated by the desire to reach their peak performance and capitalize on opportunities. In sports, timelines are tight; many athletes know that if they don’t make a move now, they might miss their chance altogether, especially in competitive fields like handball.
Editor: Now, considering the emotional aspect, does leaving their home country impact athletes psychologically?
Dr. Lopez: Yes, it can be quite complex. On one hand, there’s a sense of hope for a brighter future. But on the other hand, they may grapple with guilt, separation from family, and the fear of the unknown. These mixed emotions can be challenging, and each athlete has to navigate them in their unique circumstances.
Editor: You mentioned the psychological implications. What support systems are typically available for athletes who migrate for better opportunities?
Dr. Lopez: Support systems can vary greatly depending on the host country and the specific sport. In some cases, professional organizations may provide resources, mentorship, and community. However, many young athletes may find themselves isolated, especially if they struggle with language barriers or cultural differences. It’s vital for clubs and federations to offer integration programs to help them acclimate.
Editor: Looking ahead, what does this trend of Cuban athletes leaving for opportunities abroad mean for the future of sports in Cuba?
Dr. Lopez: If this trend continues, it could lead to a significant brain drain, which would further weaken the sporting structure in Cuba. Young talents leaving means less international experience and diminished visibility for the sport back home, which may hinder the development of upcoming generations. There needs to be a long-term strategy to improve conditions for athletes if Cuba wants to retain its talents.
Editor: Insightful points indeed. Before we wrap up, what message would you give to young athletes contemplating a similar move?
Dr. Lopez: I would advise them to weigh their options carefully. It’s essential to consider both the opportunities and the challenges that come with moving abroad. They should seek out information, connect with people in the sports industry, and ensure they have a plan that includes both their professional aspirations and their emotional well-being.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Lopez, for your valuable insights on this pressing issue. We appreciate your time and expertise.
Dr. Lopez: Thank you! It was a pleasure to discuss such an important topic.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay tuned for more discussions on sports and social issues like this one.