Mexico has sporting talent in various disciplines
Just like Alfredo Castillo, head of CONADE, recognized that Yair Rodríguez could win the National Sports Award in the near future, there are many athletes who have the necessary talent to be recognized with this accolade.
Yair 'Pantera' Rodríguez
The mixed martial arts fighter has recently been one of the most recognized in Mexico. The Chihuahua native is already known in many parts of the world for his fighting style. After his debut in the Ultimate Fighter Latin America, which he won and marked his debut in the UFC, he has a positive record with six wins and no losses in the company.
The 'Pantera' has also received some awards from the American company. He has won Fight of the Night twice, Performance of the Night once, and his latest award was Knockout of the Night, which he received on January 15th against BJ Penn.
'Rafa' Márquez
The Mexican defender has already been nominated to win the aforementioned award, but was surpassed. Now it could be a good recognition due to his great career in the sports world, as well as his continued impact on Mexican soccer. At 37 years old, he is still the standard-bearer and captain of the national team.
The 'Kaiser' is also one of the players who has stood out the most internationally, being a champion in France and Spain, as well as winning the UEFA Champions League twice, a UEFA Super Cup, and a Club World Cup, all with Barcelona.
Maria Fassi
The Mexican golfer has gained a lot of momentum after reaching the top position in the NCAA rankings. The daughter of the current Vice President of Sports for Club Pachuca is the first to achieve this since Lorena Ochoa did it during her time at the University of Arizona.
The young golfer is one of the promises of Mexican sports. She won two collegiate titles in 2016 and aims to follow in the footsteps of the best Mexican golfer.
Daniela Campuzano
The cyclist has been successful in competitions, winning gold medals in the Pan American Mountain Biking Championships in 2013, 2014, and 2015. She also won gold in the Central American and Caribbean Games in Veracruz.
Daniela qualified to compete in the 2016 Rio Olympics and was chosen to carry the flag during the opening ceremony.
Alejandra Zavala
The Mexican athlete has participated in the Olympic Games twice in the discipline of Olympic Shooting. In London, she finished in 18th place, and in Rio 2016, she narrowly missed out on Mexico's first medal in that edition by finishing in fourth place.
In the 2015 Pan American Games, she won a bronze medal, and in the 2016 World Cup in Baku, she won another bronze. In the World Cup final in Bologna, she won a gold medal.
Jonathan Paredes
The high diver stood out in 2016, ranking second in the world rankings. In 2016, Jonathan reached the top of the podium once when the competition was held in the United States, and he placed third four times throughout the year.
He has also been consistent in top positions, finishing third in the world in 2015, and sixth and fourth in 2014 and 2013, respectively.