Colombia claim historic men's volleyball gold at Santo Domingo 2026 with Amaranto named MVP

Colombia's men's volleyball team made history at the XXV Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo, beating Puerto Rico 3-2 in a gripping final on Friday to claim the country's first-ever gold medal in the tournament.

The Colombians controlled the opening two sets with an efficient attack and strong play at the net, winning 25-20 and 25-21, but Puerto Rico hit back to take the next two 25-17 apiece and force a deciding fifth set. Colombia steadied themselves in the decider and closed out a 15-12 win after more than two hours at the volleyball pavilion of the Juan Pablo Duarte Olympic Center.

The title carried special significance for a side that had eliminated defending champions Cuba in the semifinals on the way to the final, while Puerto Rico had booked their place by beating Mexico. Colombia's previous best in the event was the silver medal won in 2018, so Friday's triumph marked a historic first for the "Tricolor".

Miguel Ángel Martínez, better known as Amaranto and newly signed by Cisterna Volley of Italy's SuperLega, was the tournament's outstanding individual. The opposite hitter was named MVP, best opposite and top scorer, having racked up more than 70 points in the group stage and 18 in the semifinal against Cuba before leading his team through the final.

Amaranto described the gold as a dream come true, insisting it was the reward for the work of the whole squad, the coaching staff and everyone working behind the scenes, and said the individual awards, while important to him personally, were the product of a collective effort. He is now preparing to begin his new chapter in Italy's top flight with Cisterna, where he is expected to make his SuperLega debut when the season gets under way.

Puerto Rico took the silver medal, while Cuba completed the podium with bronze.

Sources

• iVolley Magazine
• Centro Caribe Sports