One month after confirming the Jorge Luis Alayo’s break with the Cuban federationthe news has emerged that colleague Noslen Díaz also requested his separation from the entity, thus putting an end to one of the most successful eras of the beach volleyball in Cuba.
According to a Facebook post by journalist Robert García del Corral, the 23-year-old player’s request for withdrawal would have been confirmed by the couple’s coach, former player Francisco Álvarez Cutiño.
Díaz and Alayo formed the best couple on the island in recent years, and closed last season among the ten best on the planet, according to the FIVB ranking.
The consolidation among the avant-garde, after an excellent performance at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, was achieved with outstanding performances on the world circuit, which included the unprecedented coronation in the Elite 16 Tournament held in the Mexican city of Guadalajara.
In addition to reaching the podium in several top-level competitions, the duo managed to advance to the round of 16 phase of a world championship for the first time, during the event held last November in the Australian city of Adelaide.
Cuba’s bittersweet farewell to the beach volleyball World Cup
No details in sight
At the time when the aspirations that led Alayo to separate himself from the Cuban sports system were made known, Noslen assured the press of his intention to continue representing the island in international tournaments.
Then, the one born in the province of Mayabeque denied that his partner’s determination was based on alleged disagreements with the collection of prizes won on the world circuit.
In the case of Alayo, the player himself explained that it was a “deeply thought-out step” to embark on a “new life project” based on the desire to play indoor volleyball again, the modality in which he took his first steps.
Until now, the reasons that led Noslen to change his mind and take a step that leaves the future of Cuban beach volleyball completely in the hands of the young figures who are taking their first steps in the international arena have not been revealed.
Despite the adverse circumstances, Álvarez Cutiño confirmed that the goal of achieving a medal in the men’s event at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo 2026, scheduled for next summer, is maintained.
From now on, the formation made up of Damián Gómez and Eblis Veranes stands as a reference, who left a very good image during the Australian universal event, although they did not manage to overcome the group stage there.
