Cuban archer Hugo Franco achieved his qualification for Paris 2024 this Monday, securing one of the four available spots in the recurve bow category at the pre-Olympic world tournament in Antalya, Turkey.
In a competition marked by the participation of 111 applicants from the initial stage, the current national champion of Cuba showed extraordinary skill and ensured that this sport returns to the Olympic context after its absence in Tokyo 2020. According to the official page of the International Federation of the discipline, Franco defeated Indian Faez Mohammadizardkhaneh 7-3 in the quarterfinals to achieve his objective on Turkish soil.
With the mission accomplished, he lost 1-7 in the semifinals to Md Sagor Islam of Bangladesh, but regained his winning form by defeating Vietnamese Le Quoc Phong 6-2 to claim the bronze medal.
Cuba aspires to win five gold medals and finish among the top 25 nations in the final standings at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. According to the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation, the greatest responsibility for winning medals falls on 19 key athletes, including Greco-Roman wrestlers Mijaín López and Luis Orta, boxers Julio César La Cruz and Arlen López, and judoka Idalys Ortiz, without overlooking the prestige of shooter Leuris Pupo.
Three years ago in the Tokyo 2020 program, the largest island of the Antilles finished in the fourteenth position in the standings, securing seven gold, three silver, and five bronze medals.
Key Questions about Cuba's Performance in the Olympics
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers regarding Cuba's ambitions and performance in the Olympics, particularly focusing on the upcoming Paris 2024 Games.
How many gold medals is Cuba aiming to win at Paris 2024?
Cuba aims to win five gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Which Cuban athletes are expected to contribute significantly at Paris 2024?
Key athletes include Greco-Roman wrestlers Mijaín López and Luis Orta, boxers Julio César La Cruz and Arlen López, judoka Idalys Ortiz, and shooter Leuris Pupo.
How did Cuba perform in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics?
Cuba finished in the fourteenth position in the standings at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, with a total of seven gold, three silver, and five bronze medals.