Dominican Republic and Colombia win gold in team kata

The Dominican Republic clinched the gold medal in the women's team kata event, while Colombia secured the top spot in the men's category at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo.

María Dimitrova, a celebrated athlete, led her Dominican team to another gold medal, adding to her impressive record. This victory marks her sixth consecutive gold medal at the regional event. "I have finished as I wanted, winning the gold in front of my people to say goodbye to the tatami," said an emotional Dimitrova after the Dominican team's decisive 5-0 victory over Venezuela.

Dimitrova, 41, is retiring from kata (simulated combat) competition. She plans to continue her involvement in karate by leading her dojos (training schools) and serving as part of the technical staff for the Dominican Karate Federation.

The Dominican trio, also including Perla Peralta and Carla Espejo, defeated teams from Guatemala (5-0) and Cuba (5-0) en route to the final. They overcame Mexico 3-2 in the semifinals. The Dominican Republic and Mexico shared the two bronze medals in the women's team event.

In the men's competition, the Colombian trio of Alejandro Ramírez, Danny Díaz, and Samuel Giraldo defeated Cuba's Víctor Sánchez, Freddy Ares, and Yordeivis Núñez 5-0 to claim the gold. Colombia had previously beaten the Dominican Republic (3-2), Guatemala (5-0), and Venezuela (4-1) to reach the final. The Dominican Republic and Mexico also took home bronze medals in the men's category.

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I have finished as I wanted, winning the gold in front of my people to say goodbye to the tatami.