INTERNATIONAL SHOTOKAN KARATE FEDERATION HOSTS SUCCESSFUL 2026 INDEPENDENCE TOURNAMENT
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The International Shotokan Karate Federation (ISKF) of Guyana successfully hosted its 2026 Independence Karate Tournament on Saturday, drawing a diverse crowd of martial arts enthusiasts to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall in Georgetown.
The marquee event brought together more than 120 competitors ranging in age from 5 to 55. Participants from various dojos across the country showcased their technical proficiency and discipline across both the Kata (form) and Kumite (sparring) categories.
At the conclusion of the junior divisions, Chelsea Harrison was honored as the Best Junior Female Competitor for her sharp execution, while Amario Tyrrell secured the title of Best Junior Male Competitor.
In the senior divisions, the tournament saw absolute dominance from two standout martial artists. Talitha Kisson rose to the occasion to sweep the women’s bracket, emerging as the Best Female Kata and Kumite Champion. On the men’s side, Kristian Chaves mirrored that excellence, capturing both the senior Kata and Kumite titles in a stellar individual performance.
YOUTH ENSEMBLE FOOTBALL PACKS ANNAI GROUND WITH REGION 9 ACTION
ANNAI, GUYANA — Grassroots football took center stage in Region 9 as the Guyana Football Federation’s (GFF) 2026 Youth Ensemble completed a packed schedule of recent fixtures at the Annai Ground in North Rupununi.
The Under-13 division saw a flurry of offensive action, with the All Star Blazers, Three Hills FC, and Challengers FC all securing vital victories to advance their standings in the developmental tournament.
Meanwhile, the Under-15 category featured a highly competitive, physical clash between Yakarinta FC and the Paiwomak Warriors. Yakarinta FC ultimately managed to walk away with a narrow 2-1 victory, thanks to clinical finishing from Leron Alexander and Caesar Benjamin, who netted one goal apiece. The Paiwomak Warriors mounted a fierce second-half comeback attempt behind a lone strike from Glen Rogers, but Yakarinta’s defense held firm until the final whistle.
CHASE ACADEMIC FOUNDATION SECURES 10-0 BLOWOUT IN BLUE WATERS U-15 CHAMPIONSHIP
PROVIDENCE, GUYANA — Chase Academic Foundation sent a strong message to the rest of the field on Tuesday, delivering a clinical 10-0 thrashing of Christ Church Secondary at the National Training Centre (NTC) in Providence. The match was part of the ongoing GFF 2026 Blue Waters Shipping Under-15 Girls National Secondary School Championship.
Striker Dianna Edwards put on a masterclass in finishing, spearheading the onslaught with a sensational five-goal performance. Supporting the offensive showcase, teammates Sabana Simon and Thea Rodrigues each thrashed the back of the net twice to log doubles, while Shemia Hing added a single strike to complete the double-digit scoreline.
In the second fixture of the Providence doubleheader, The New Central High School enjoyed a much more conventional, comfortable 2-0 victory over Dolphin Secondary. Central High controlled the tempo from the opening whistle, securing their points on the back of individual goals from Christina McPherson and Amanda Saunders.
CAPTAIN CLARKE’S 127 SEATS WEST INDIES ACADEMY IN STRONG POSITION ON DAY THREE
HAMBANTOTA, SRI LANKA — A majestic century from Captain Rivaldo Clarke put the West Indies Academy in a commanding position on day three of their first four-day match against the Sri Lanka Emerging XI at the Mahinda Rajapaksa International Stadium.
Resuming their first innings at an overnight score of 273-5, the West Indies Academy was eventually bowled out for 381 in 103.4 overs. Clarke was the anchor of the lower-order effort, grinding out a brilliant 127 to hand his team a valuable 25-run first-innings lead. Sri Lankan spinner Shakti Udara was exceptionally durable for the hosts, finishing as the pick of the bowling attack with marathon figures of 6-102 across 36.4 overs.
Faced with a minor deficit, the Sri Lanka Emerging XI top order stumbled during their second turn at the crease, reaching 173-5 at the close of play. West Indies Academy paceman Johann Layne caused major issues late in the afternoon, ripping through the host’s top order to claim efficient figures of 3-34 in just 8 overs, setting up an explosive final day of four-day cricket.
AUSTRALIA DEFEATS WEST INDIES WOMEN IN FINAL T20 WORLD CUP WARM-UP AT CARDIFF
CARDIFF, WALES — The West Indies Women suffered a definitive four-wicket defeat against tournament favorites Australia at Sophia Gardens in Cardiff, concluding their official warm-up preparations for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20I World Cup.
After winning the toss and electing to bat first, the West Indies line-up struggled to build sustained partnerships against a disciplined Australian attack, finding themselves bowled out for 131 in exactly 20 overs. Veteran all-rounder Deandra Dottin provided the lone spark of heavy resistance, top-scoring with an aggressive 46 off the bat. Australia’s young prospect Lucy Hamilton proved to be the primary executioner with the ball, picking up 2-19.
The Australian chase was anchored seamlessly by Georgia Voll, who hit a match-winning, unbeaten 77 to guide her side across the line at 132-4 in just 15 overs. West Indies bowlers Qiana Joseph, Karishma Ramharack, and captain Hayley Matthews each claimed a single wicket in the losing effort.
The West Indies Women will now travel to England to officially launch their 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup campaign, where they are scheduled to take on New Zealand at the Ageas Bowl in West End, Southampton, this coming Saturday.
