Deputy Idalis Ortiz, Glory of Cuban Sport, described the assessment report on the work of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER) as critical and self-critical. The report was presented today by the Health and Sports Commission of the National Assembly of People’s Power.

In statements to the Cuban News Agency, the four-time Olympic medallist (1 gold, 2 silver, 1 bronze) and multiple award-winner in judo World Cups and Championships, as well as Pan American, Central American and Caribbean Games, deemed the document read by Cristina Luna Morales – president of this permanent working group – thoroughly comprehensive.

The former national judo team member, hailing from Artemisa province, expressed confidence that efforts will focus on strengthening the sports body’s work amid Cuba’s complex situation resulting from the US genocidal economic, commercial and financial blockade, from which sport is not exempt.

«We recognise it’s not only about proposing solutions but fundamentally about resolving real problems within a difficult context, particularly in the economy – one that impacts society’s most diverse sectors, including sport,» she stated.

Luna Morales chaired this group’s proceedings at Havana’s Convention Palace alongside other National Assembly permanent commissions, preceding the Fifth Ordinary Session of the state’s supreme body in its Tenth Legislature.

Her presentation constituted a true X-ray of the challenges facing INDER – from grassroots to high-performance levels – primarily due to the tightened US blockade against Cuba.

During the debate, attended by guests Osbel Lorenzo Rodríguez and Susely Morfa González (First Secretaries of the Communist Party in Las Tunas and Villa Clara respectively), deputies agreed on the report’s quality.

Parliamentarians from several provinces including Mayabeque, Holguín, Cienfuegos, Granma, and the capital highlighted efforts to address key obstacles.

They emphasised that visits to territories confirmed existing problems but also revealed grassroots-driven solutions with public and sports workers’ support.

INDER President Osvaldo Vento, accompanied by his leadership council, thanked each commission deputy’s dedication and reaffirmed the commitment to uphold Cuba’s principle that «sport is the people’s right.»

Tomorrow, the Parliament’s Health and Sports Commission will reconvene to debate the draft Cuban Sports Law, which will be presented Thursday and put to vote Friday.