Ashley Castillo Wins Chess Gold for Panama at 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games

Seventeen‑year‑old Panamanian chess player Ashley Castillo captured the gold medal in the blitz – Board 1 event at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, posting a perfect 12‑0 score. The victory followed a silver medal she earned a day earlier in the rapid – Board 1 competition, giving her two individual medals in 24 hours.

Castillo, a native of Changuinola, became the first Central American woman to be awarded the International Master title by the World Chess Federation (FIDE) earlier in 2026. Panama’s delegation now holds six medals across chess, swimming, judo and taekwondo, underscoring a strong regional performance.

The chess tournament was held at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center from 25 to 28 July 2026 as part of the Games’ official program.