The acquisition of sports equipment and sneakers for athletes at high prices in third countries, remain among the effects suffered by the Cuban sport, badly hit by the US economic, commercial and financial blockade against the island.

At a meeting of officials of the National Institute of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation (INDER) with the press, at the headquarters of the institution in Havana, they explained the entry of sport products to the Caribbean country is limited due to this unfair policy.

Manuel Trobajo, director of supplies in INDER, said that in the case of baseball is affected by the late arrival of bats and balls, which are essential to the daily game.

Seventy percent of the resources needed for that discipline come from U.S. brands, making it even more difficult to buy them, Trobajo added.

He also noted that some very affected sports are athletics, archery, tennis and sailing, this latter powerless to acquire boats appropriate for their daily practice.

The blockade forces us to work with the minimum of resources and causes the cost of products to be tripled, the official concluded.