Annia Hernández Peñalver, coach of Cuba's U-12 women's softball team, left the national delegation during a layover in Miami en route to Puerto Rico this Sunday, seeking asylum from U.S. authorities.
The escape of Hernández took place at Miami International Airport (MIA), where the team made a technical stop before continuing their flight to Puerto Rico, the host of the 2024 Latin American Little League Women's Softball Tournament. This information was reported by the specialized portal The Cuban Baseball Digest.
Upon her arrival at MIA, the Cuban instructor surrendered to officials from the Department of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to request political asylum in the U.S. After an interview with the officers, Hernández was released, according to sources connected to the case, as confirmed by Martí Noticias.
Upcoming Softball Tournament in Puerto Rico
The Little League women's softball tournament will take place until July 13 in Guánica, providing a spot for the World Series of the category, to be held in the U.S. later this year.
Hernández was part of the team from the municipality of La Palma in Pinar del Río, which won the national women's softball competition for players under 12 years old. This victory has made history, as it will be the first team to represent Cuba in the regional competition.
The tournament in Puerto Rican soil features five teams competing in a round-robin format, with two rounds. Alongside Cuba, teams from Mexico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and two Puerto Rican teams (the national team and the Guayama municipality team) will participate. The Cuban team is scheduled to play this Tuesday against the U.S. Virgin Islands and Guayama, according to the Cuban site JIT.
Hernández’s escape adds to the growing list of Cuban athletes who have left the country or national delegations during competitions abroad, seeking better opportunities for their sports careers and lives amid the widespread crisis in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Athletes Seeking Asylum
Given the increasing number of Cuban athletes leaving their national delegations during international competitions, many questions arise regarding their motivations and the process they undergo. Here are some frequently asked questions and their answers:
Why are Cuban athletes seeking asylum?
Cuban athletes often seek asylum to escape the economic and political hardships in Cuba, hoping for better opportunities for their careers and personal lives.
What is the process for Cuban athletes to seek asylum in the U.S.?
Athletes typically surrender to U.S. immigration authorities, such as ICE, and request asylum. They undergo an interview process, and if their case is deemed legitimate, they may be released and allowed to stay in the U.S. while their asylum claim is processed.
How does the departure of athletes affect Cuban sports teams?
The departure of key athletes can weaken Cuban sports teams, impacting their performance in international competitions and diminishing Cuba's reputation in the sports community.
What role does the economic crisis in Cuba play in athletes seeking asylum?
The economic crisis in Cuba results in limited resources, poor living conditions, and inadequate support for athletes, prompting many to seek better opportunities abroad where they can have more financial stability and career growth.