María García elected to Dominican Sports Hall of Fame

Judoka María García has been selected for induction into the Dominican Sports Hall of Fame as part of the Class of 2026. The announcement was made by Dr. Dionisio Guzmán, president of the Permanent Committee.

García, the first Dominican judoka to win a world medal, is recognized for her achievements including a bronze medal at the 2006 World Junior Championships and silver at the 2007 Pan American Games in Rio de Janeiro. She will be the third female judoka to join the Hall of Fame, following Radhamés Lora Salcedo and Andrea Hernández.

Other athletes selected for the 2026 induction include Yuderqui Contreras in weightlifting and Mariano Reyes in athletics. Team sport inductees include several former baseball players such as Alex Rodríguez, Rafael Soriano, and Darío Veras, as well as representatives from basketball and softball. The induction ceremony is scheduled for the morning of Sunday, November 15, at the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center.