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Basque pelota is a relatively new sport in Peru The athletes who practice it today came from pelota fronton, a discipline that started more than 70 years ago and that will be one of the sports in the Pan American Games.
Joao Velásquez and Daniel Fernández are working hard on the pelota de cuero category, in the hope of making history and winning the gold for Peru.
“We are the first Peruvian team in this discipline and we've been preparing since last year because it is the first time it will be held in Peru. We hope results will be positive to us. Although we must confess that the other countries have a little advantage over us”, Joao said.
The discipline pelota cuero is played in doubles in a court 36 meters long. “It is difficult, I even broke my nose once while training, but if you like it, you have to train hard” Joao said laughing. He started playing fronton but then the coach called him to this discipline.
The team is already training double time to be in optimal conditions for the event. Daniel said, “We are a new pair but we get along together very well.”
The Pan American Games are a real challenge for them and they know this tournament is a great opportunity for their sport to keep growing.
The competition will be divided into 5 for men: rubber ball - doubles (trinquete), pelota de goma - individual (fronton), frontennis - doubles (fronton), pelota de cuero - doubles (fronton), hand - individual (fronton) and individual Peruvian fronton. Four events will be held for women's category: Pelota de goma - doubles (trinquete), pelota de goma - doubles (fronton), frontennis - doubles (fronton) and individual Peruvian fronton.
MAIN GOAL
“My biggest motivation has always been to represent my country in an internationally and being right about to start competing in the Games is just something I can't imagine”, said Daniel.
“We are going for the gold but there will always be rivals and we wil ldo our best to win a medal, whatever it is” said Joao
Basque pelota competitions will be held from August 4 to 10. Eleven countries will compete for ten gold medals. One of them will be awarded for pelota cuero.
“Beside cheering for us, we would like people to practice this sport, because sport means being healthy and it gives many opportunities;" Joao said.He expects a massive assistance at Villa María del Triunfo.
If you want to go cheer for them, buy your tickets at www.lima2019.pe/tickets or at any authorized point of sale across the city.
