Judo and wrestling athletes from the Ramacrisna Institute are participating in the competition in Foz do Iguaçu, which brings together young Brazilian sports talents and athletes from other countries

Eight athletes from the Ramacrisna Institute in Betim will represent Minas Gerais at the 2026 CAIXA Youth Games, a competition organized by the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) in Foz do Iguaçu (PR). The delegation will compete in judo and wrestling at an edition featuring 20 sports and also including representatives from countries such as Japan, Argentina, and Australia.

This year’s participation marks an unprecedented achievement for the Ramacrisna Institute, which will field the largest number of athletes in a single edition of the Games, surpassing the records set in previous years.

In judo, the team will consist of Nicoly Pereira, Caio Emanuel, and Diego Mendonça. The athletes will travel this Sunday, the 18th, accompanied by coach Caliton Silva, who has been selected to serve as a coach for both sports at the competition. The wrestling delegation, composed of Lavínya Estevam, Luan Costa, Ray Lucas, Isabela Rodrigues, and Anna Lara, will head to Foz do Iguaçu on the 23rd.

For Coach Caliton, the qualification of eight athletes demonstrates the progress of the sports program developed by the Institute and represents an important opportunity for the young athletes. “Qualifying for the Youth Games with eight athletes is a source of great pride. It’s our highest number of qualifiers in a single edition, the result of the students’ efforts and the work done in training. We expect them to make the most of this experience, enter the competitions with confidence, and demonstrate everything they’ve been developing throughout their preparation,” he emphasizes.

In addition to bringing the athletes into contact with competitors from different regions of the country and abroad, the competition can open new horizons for the young athletes’ sporting careers. In judo, for example, results carry significant weight in the pursuit of future opportunities: the competition awards points toward the Brazilian Judo Confederation’s (CBJ) national ranking, as well as the possibility of direct qualification for the 2027 Meeting, in accordance with the organization’s criteria.

Another incentive is the possibility for medalists to apply for the Federal Government’s Bolsa Atleta program in the Student category, provided they meet the established requirements. This financial support can help them continue their careers and cover expenses related to their athletic pursuits. “A medal can mean much more than just a result in a competition. It can also open doors to new opportunities and help athletes continue investing in the sport. The path requires dedication and discipline, but we want them to step onto the mat aware of their potential and the importance of each stage of this journey,” says Caliton.

Ambassadors

The 2026 edition also features ambassadors who have made their mark on the history of Brazilian sports. Among them are Rosângela Santos, from track and field; Bia Souza, from judo; Lucas Verthein, from rowing; Hugo Hoyama, from table tennis; Luisa Baptista, from triathlon; and Gabriele Gagliassi, a volleyball player and digital influencer. These individuals are part of an initiative by the Brazilian Olympic Committee (COB) to inspire a new generation of athletes and share experiences and values related to sports.