Valledupar, September 2, 2026. In the framework of the verification visit of the scenario and competition conditions by the Pan American Badminton Confederation, towards the Parasuramerican Games Valledupar 2026, the international technical delegate, Ricardo Salamanca, made a detailed inspection of the Óscar Muñoz Oviedo Combat Coliseum, located in the Unidad Deportiva La Gota Fría, where the competition site will be adapted for the development of the Para Badminton of these multisport events.
In the host city of the games, Salamanca endorsed the general conditions of the scenario, highlighting the potential for the respective adequacy for a high-level competition, and recommended some specific improvements aimed at optimizing the sports performance and the visual experience of the attendees. The delegate also provided suggestions on branding and the look of the games, with the purpose of strengthening the graphic identity and projecting the inclusive nature of the event.
“The fact that we are so far in advance of the games helps us a great deal in coordinating all the necessary arrangements to get the stage ready for next year. I think the venue has the potential to hold a very good Para Badminton competition,” said Ricardo Salamanca, a Colombian national living in Lima (Peru), who also highlighted the willingness and commitment of the local organizing committee to attend to every detail of the event. From the Pan American Badminton Confederation, Salamanca confirmed that the coliseum has the technical endorsement for the realization of the competition, although it will be necessary to incorporate the sport’s own adaptations. He also said that Valledupar will host 13 of the 22 medal events that make up the Paralympic program, with individual and mixed doubles events in the wheelchair, standing and short stature (SH6) categories. “The disposition we found in Valledupar gives us peace of mind. The organization of the Games is working with vision and detail, and that guarantees that we will have a competition under international standards, with a first class show for athletes and public,”, added the technical delegate. An expert with a continental background 
An expert with a continental background
With more than 18 years of experience in badminton management and development, Ricardo Salamanca has led sports policies and technical training programs in the Americas.
With more than 18 years of experience in badminton management and development, Ricardo Salamanca has led sports policies and technical training programs in the Americas.
As Director of the Events Area of the Pan American Badminton Confederation, he has been responsible for the planning and execution of continental championships, as well as the creation of career programs for technical officials and coaches. He has participated in organizing committees of the National, Bolivarian, South American and Parapan American Games, as well as world championships, consolidating himself as a reference in inclusive sports management and international events.
Commitment to Valledupar 2026
Commitment to Valledupar 2026.
The technical endorsement of the delegate reinforces the preparation of Valledupar to receive 54 Para athletes between July 11 and 15, 2026, consolidating the capital of Cesar as the regional epicenter of Paralympic sport in Colombia. The organizing committee, together with the International Federation and the Pan American Badminton Confederation, continue to advance in the planning and adaptation of the scenario to ensure a competition that combines technical excellence, accessibility and inclusion under the highest international standards.
