Mexican Regional Government's Bold Sports Investment

The Chihuahua State Sports Agency announced it will distribute approximately 18 billion pesos (about $1.8 billion) in incentives to elite athletes and medalists this year, having invested 200 billion pesos (about $20 billion) in sports facilities over the past five years.

Director Teporaca Romero del Hierro revealed in an interview with local media that approximately 300 athletes and coaches will receive bi-monthly financial support throughout 2026. Recipients include National Olympic medalists and elite athletes with world competition experience, with differential payments based on medal colors.

'Olympic Project' Launched for LA 2028

Beyond this support program, Chihuahua State operates the only 'LA 2028 Olympic Project' in the nation. Launched in January 2025, this program provides intensive support to athletes with high Olympic qualification potential.

Notable beneficiaries include Ausiel Muñoz and Alegna González, who achieved back-to-back victories at the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. Both athletes received sports awards simultaneously from Chihuahua State and the Mexican government.

Director Romero explained, "The two programs operate independently and are separate from the 45 billion pesos (about $4.5 billion) budget for the state team's national competition participation."

Budget Tripled, Focus on Facility Restoration

The Chihuahua State Sports Agency's budget has increased approximately threefold from 76 billion pesos at the current government's inauguration to 220 billion pesos today. While 80% of the budget was spent on personnel and operating costs in the early days, more resources are now allocated to programs and direct support.

Facility investment details include:

• Olympic Pool Restoration: Reconstruction of the abandoned Olympic-standard pool at Ciudad Deportiva with 25-26 billion pesos investment
• Baseball Stadium Modernization: Replacement of lighting, seating, and restrooms at the historic Manuel L. Almanza Stadium, opened in 1948
• Athletic Track Construction: Investment of over 100 billion pesos to build athletic tracks and 13 soccer fields in the Deportiva Sur area

Last November, the baseball stadium remodeling was completed with a mural honoring sports journalists and baseball players from Chihuahua on one wall. Mural work featuring Olympic athletes is underway on the opposite División del Norte section.

Pride of the State with Second-Highest Olympic Athlete Output

Chihuahua State ranks as the region producing the second-highest number of Olympic athletes in Mexican history, with over 60 Olympic representatives on record.

Director Romero emphasized, "The state government takes responsibility for all athletes wearing the state uniform. This administration transports most athletes to national competitions by air and provides indoor and outdoor uniforms, physical therapists, and nutritionists."

Restroom renovations at the Olympic stadium are currently underway, and the spectator seating is being remodeled in collaboration with the Chihuahua Educational Facilities Agency. Through strategic partnerships with the city's participatory budget program, the cycling track at Ciudad Deportiva has also been restored, benefiting cycling athletes.