The Cuban National team, gold medal winner at the 1970 Central American and Caribbean Games in Panama City (February 28th to March 13th, 1970), was a historic squad that marked the rise of Cuban Water Polo on the international stage. The team, coached by the legendary Hungarian Károly Laky (center, front row), was composed of: Roberto Rodriguez, Jesus Perez, Rolando Valdes, Osvaldo Garcia, Carlos Sanchez, Eugenio Almeneiro, Jorge Riso, Waldimiro Arcos, Miguel Angel Garcia, Guillermo Martinez, and Oscar Periche. Cuba finished 1st, ahead of Mexico (2nd) and Panama (3rd), in a dominant regional performance. Károly Laky, who led the national team from 1967 to 1978, laid the technical and tactical foundations of the sport in Cuba. He introduced modern training systems and helped shape a strong, cohesive national program. The 1970 victory was not just a gold medal, but a turning point for Cuban aquatic sports. Under Laky’s guidance, Cuba competed in three Olympic Games: Mexico 1968, Munich 1972, and Montreal 1976. His leadership positioned Cuba as a serious contender in international Water Polo. This generation of players paved the way for decades of National success and pride. Source: Courtesy of Armando Fernandez
