Lopez, a consecutive winner in Greco-Roman wrestling at five Olympic Games, submitted a statement condemning this hostile policy by the White House, which was unanimously approved.

According to sources from the Cuban Sports Institute, the political handling of visas by the United States embassy in Havana has resulted in 81 incidents affecting athletes, coaches, and officials this year.

In some cases the permit is denied and in others, its granting is delayed, despite the applicants completing the procedures required by the U.S. diplomatic mission in a timely manner, the source explains.

Visa issues have affected Cuban athletes in table tennis, basketball, track and field, soccer, triathlon, fencing, volleyball, and softball, as well as officials from the Cuban Olympic Committee, who are unable to attend meetings of Panam Sports, the governing body for sports on the continent.

The arbitrary actions of the Washington government toward Cuba’s sports movement disrespect the values of the Olympics and violate the commitment of the host countries to guarantee the attendance of all those invited.

The most high-profile case occurred a few days ago, when the Little League girls’ softball team was unable to travel to Puerto Rico after visas were denied for the seven adult members of the delegation. Such behavior by the White House could affect the island’s participation in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

jdt/jcm/nrg