Monday, october 23nd, 2023.- Badminton at the Pan American Games Santiago 2023 continued its development at the Centro de Entrenamiento Olímpico, where Mexico dominated in the morning session on Monday.

The Mexican delegation advanced to the quarter-finals in male singles, male doubles, and female doubles, securing medals in these events.

In male singles, Luis Garrido emerged as the standout player, defeating the 2019 Lima champion, Ygor Coelho De Oliveira from Brazil, with scores of 21-14 and 21-15. This victory secured his place among the top four players in the tournament.

Visibly emotional, Garrido stated after his win, "It's incredible. I've been battling injuries for six years and had eight knee surgeries. I've only been playing for a year and a half. I simply can't believe it. It's the first medal for Mexico in the history of this individual discipline, and I'm deeply moved and excited."

“To be honest, I never imagined being in this position. I know we shouldn't stop dreaming, but when you've been through what I've experienced in the last four years... I just can't believe it. Without my family and coaches, I wouldn't be here. Giving Mexico its first-ever medal in male's singles badminton is truly an honor," he added.

To conclude, the Mexican athlete said, "I knew I would be facing the current Pan American champion, someone I've known for 20 years, someone I know well. It's beautiful because I'm sure these could be our last Pan American Games due to our age. It's sad that there has to be a loser, but I'm happy to be on the winning side this time."

In male doubles, the team of Juan Castillo and Luis Montoya defeated the Cuban duo of Juan Carlos Bencomo and Roberto Herrera with scores of 21-9 and 21-13.

"It was an important match because it secures our spot in the semifinals, and we can aim for a medal, which is a significant achievement for us. We're taking it step by step after getting through these quarterfinals," Castillo commented.

Montoya added, "We feel good and played solidly. We've been preparing and competing well for this event. Now, it's time to give our all in the semifinals."

Finally, the Mexican female's doubles team composed of Romina Fregoso and Miriam Rodríguez defeated the
Jamaican duo of Tahlia Richardson and Katherine Wynter with scores of 21-19 and 21-16.

It's important to note that in Santiago 2023, badminton contributes to the Olympic ranking, playing a crucial role in the journey to Paris 2024.

Written by Patricio Echagüe and María Fernanda Pavéz; translated by Vicente Valdivia / Photosport
Photo by Javier Vergara / Santiago 2023 / Photosport