Minor Accuses Former Nicaraguan National Taekwondo Coach of Alleged Sexual Abuse

A 17-year-old girl has accused a former coach of Nicaragua’s national taekwondo team—who is also the son of the president of the Nicaraguan Taekwondo Federation (FETANIC)—of allegedly sexually abusing her during a massage session following a competition in Honduras where she injured her knee.

MASTKD ESPAÑOL

According to the girl’s testimony, relayed to MASTKD by her mother, upon returning to Nicaragua, the coach, identified by the surname Zavala, summoned her to his academy at 3:00 p.m. on March 28 to treat her knee discomfort with massages.

Two days later, on March 30, the athlete reported to the Nicaraguan National Police, as documented in a report obtained by MASTKD, that Zavala requested she enter a private office alone. She refused and insisted that a friend accompany her.

Inside the room, the coach allegedly began inappropriate touching on various parts of her body and, reportedly, asked the accompanying friend to assist in massaging her.

When asked if her knee still hurt, the girl stated she said no, not because the pain had subsided, but because she wanted to leave the situation. The friend later recounted the incident to the girl’s mother, as the psychological impact had caused the victim to remain silent until approached.

MASTKD accessed an official forensic analysis indicating that the girl’s behavior, testimony, and characteristics are consistent with those of individuals who have experienced abuse.

The case was reported to the Nicaraguan National Police in District Three of Managua and is being processed under file number 506-525.

While the document states that Zavala allegedly summoned the girl to the academy, the coach acknowledged massaging her but claimed the therapy was requested by the girl’s mother days earlier, «even in front of about eight parents who were attending another meeting.»

«The mother requested it, in front of other parents. It wasn’t something I did secretly; she handed me the money and said, ‘Here, coach.’ The next day, the girl came, and she wasn’t alone; other parents, athletes, and people were present,» the coach explained.

Zavala vehemently denied the allegations, questioned the validity of the forensic report, and asserted that if the claims were substantial, he would be facing legal proceedings from jail. He emphasized his qualifications to perform massages and insisted he never exploited his position of authority to abuse the minor.

The coach claimed the accusation is part of a politically motivated scheme to tarnish his and his father’s reputations.

«I’m not accusing anyone; I can’t speak ill of the girl or her mother. There’s money involved, manipulation… I can’t say directly who’s behind it; it’s up to the police to investigate,» Zavala stated.

When asked about past removals from the Ministry of Education, the Managua City Hall, and sanctions by the Nicaraguan Olympic Committee (CON) for similar issues, Zavala responded that he resigned from the Ministry in 2021 due to health reasons, as he suffers from a condition that gradually impaired his vision, leading to blindness and subsequent retirement due to disability. He claimed never to have faced proceedings for similar issues and denied any sanctions from the CON.

«My professional and personal record is impeccable. The only thing in my police file is an attempted murder against me in 2019, which I reported myself. All letters from the Ministry of Education during my 11 years of service are flawless; I was certified as the best teacher,» he explained.

The victim’s family confirmed to MASTKD that they will present the case to the appropriate department of World Taekwondo (WT) to seek justice through various channels.

Zavala acknowledged that his father is aware of the case and chose not to intervene to avoid political speculation. However, MASTKD obtained a recording in which the FETANIC president told the victim’s mother that he would investigate the matter and assured the girl a place in training sessions with foreign coaches, emphasizing that he does not tolerate such acts.

MASTKD attempted to contact Salvador Zavala, the accused’s father and FETANIC president, for his perspective on related issues. He responded early Tuesday morning, stating he was traveling to Managua and requested time to provide his responses.

Formal Request for Non-Publication

Despite being offered the opportunity to present his version of events, respecting the presumption of innocence and maintaining editorial neutrality, Coach Zavala formally requested MASTKD to refrain from publishing articles on the matter.

Zavala argued that he «strongly disagrees with any publication asserting my guilt or displaying confidential medical or legal documents without a final judicial resolution.»

The coach sought to delay the article’s publication, citing the ongoing investigation and lack of judicial resolution.

«I formally request that you abstain from any publication until the case is resolved by the appropriate judicial authorities, and if you proceed, that I be granted the right to a full and simultaneous reply, in accordance with responsible journalism principles and international communication laws,» he wrote to MASTKD’s editorial team, omitting the fact that he had already engaged in a 45-minute conversation with the outlet.

According to the victim’s family, the attempt to halt publication stems from the accused’s unawareness of the existence of a forensic analysis indicating that the girl’s behavior aligns with that of an abuse victim.

During the interview with MASTKD, Zavala attempted to discredit the report, arguing that if it were accurate, he would be facing legal proceedings from jail.

However, it was explained to him that while the documentation provides a technical opinion, it is not binding and represents just one element of a broader judicial investigation.

«Yes, you’re right,» Zavala conceded to the journalist.

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Claudio Aranda

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