Difficulties in accessing training bases and obstacles to the scientific-technical development of specialists are still among the problems suffered by Cuban sports, hard hit by the U.S. economic, commercial and financial blockade.an sports against the blockade

Havana, November 2 (ACN)-- Difficulties in accessing training bases and obstacles to the scientific-technical development of specialists are still among the problems suffered by Cuban sports, hard hit by the U.S. economic, commercial and financial blockade.an sports against the blockade

In a meeting of officials of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (Inder) with the press, in the coliseum of the Sports City, in this capital, it was explained on Tuesday that because of that unfair policy, the effects on the sports sphere are in the millions.

Gisleidi Sosa, director of International Relations of Inder, declared that in the last five years the damages amount to more than 15 million US dollars (USD); while from August 2021 to February 2022 the figures exceed two million USD, she said.

He added that this imperial siege constitutes the main obstacle to the development of Cuban sports, with a marked extraterritorial character because it affects the participation of the Caribbean nation in different international events.

He said that there are impacts that are not quantifiable, because some of them are from the psychological and social point of view, on the non-participation in certain tournaments or professional exchanges, he said.

In the exchange, Yadira González, president of Cubadeportes S.A., referred to how complicated the money transaction is, a situation that greatly affects the country to acquire sports equipment and other supplies.

He also spoke of the decrease in the number of Cuban coaches hired abroad because on many occasions they are encouraged to leave the island, which is detrimental to the aforementioned company.

Rafael Guerra, president of the Cuban Shooting Federation, explained the considerable damage caused by the U.S. blockade to a discipline that needs weapons that are very difficult to obtain for its practice, and which would be cheaper if they could be bought in the U.S. He said that there are important firms that do not give the Cuban sport shooting sport a chance.

He said that there are important firms that do not sell Cuba pistols, rifles and ammunition that are essential for training in order to achieve a good result in any international competition.

In spite of everything, the executives assured that they will continue to look for alternatives to counteract, as far as possible, the negative effects of this cruel policy.