The Polish capital, Warsaw, hosted the European Grappling and Grappling Gi Cup, one of the most significant continental events on the calendar. This year, the Spanish delegation consisted entirely of competitors from the Canary Islands, who once again demonstrated the high level of this sport in the archipelago.
The expedition, under the technical direction of Jonathan Hernández, Julio Santana, and Xavier Flores, competed for Spain against top European teams. The participants hailed from clubs such as La Riva, Animal, Nemesis, Aborigen, Taz Jinámar, ATR, Iankara, and Tente Rivero.
The achieved results reflect the excellent work being done in the Canary Islands over recent years. Among the competition's champions were Darrigton de la Cruz Mercedes (gold in both Grappling and Grappling Gi, U17 -58 kg), Saulo Hernández Montero (double champion, U20 -62 kg), Josué Gil Llanos (Grappling champion and Gi runner-up, U15 -73 kg), and Elena Marrero Ruiz (Gi champion and Grappling runner-up, U17 -52 kg).
Outstanding performances were also delivered by Izan Rodríguez Rosa, Irinea Medina Rodríguez, Mario García García, Jesús Gil Llanos, Derek Perera Ramos, Nauzet Moya Morilla, Eduardo Junior Rosario Sosa, Iris García García, and Ailin Santana Delgado, among others, adding medals and honorable positions for the Spanish delegation.
In total, the Spanish team secured multiple European titles, runner-up positions, and bronze medals across the U15, U17, U20, and Senior categories, solidifying the Canary Islands as a major force in national and international grappling.
Beyond individual results, the competition once again highlighted the organizational, technical, and sporting capabilities of the Canary Islands clubs, which continue to train athletes capable of competing at the highest European level. The participation in Warsaw marks a new success for Canary Islands grappling, confirming a remarkably promising future for the sport in the islands and serving as a source of pride for all Canary Islands sports.
