Mexico’s top sports official announced Saturday that a major international diving competition will move forward after all, despite being cancelled earlier this week over safety concerns.
Rommel Pacheco, who leads Mexico’s National Sports Commission (CONADE) and is a former professional diver, declared that the World Diving Cup competition “is no longer cancelled and is entering a rescheduling phase,” though he did not provide a new date for the event.
Taking to Instagram, Pacheco expressed gratitude for collaboration with international organizers. “We acknowledge the support and coordination with World Aquatics,” he stated, while also recognizing Mexican sports and diplomatic officials. “We remain committed to supporting sport.”
The diving competition had been set to take place March 5-8 in Zapopan, located in Jalisco state. However, World Aquatics pulled the plug on Thursday after multiple international embassies issued travel warnings following violent unrest triggered by the capture and death of cartel boss Nemesio Oseguera, commonly called “El Mencho.”
World Aquatics has not yet confirmed the rescheduling announcement from Mexican officials.
The violence has sparked wider questions about Mexico’s capacity to safely host major international sporting competitions.
Despite these concerns, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum stated Tuesday that security measures would undergo review and assured there was “no risk” for fans planning to attend World Cup matches in Mexico this summer.
According to World Aquatics’ Thursday announcement, athletes seeking to qualify for the Diving World Cup Super Final in Beijing this May will now have their performance evaluated based solely on results from a competition in Montreal.
