By: Delwin Neblett | HGP Nightly News |
Police Sports Recognition
Rural Sergeant Linden Matthews has been awarded Male Sports Personality of the Year in recognition of his longstanding contribution to sports development within the Guyana Police Force.
The award was presented during the Guyana Police Force’s Annual End-of-Year Awards Ceremony at the Police Officers’ Annexe, where ranks were honoured for outstanding performance in 2025.
Matthews joined the Guyana Police Force on May 12, 1995, as a Special Constable, rose to the rank of Sergeant, and retired in 2018. Throughout his career, he served at the Sports Secretariat, Regional Division 4A, and the Tactical Services Unit, including duties during the Christmas season.
For more than three decades, Matthews has played a pivotal role in the development of young athletes. He became a certified cricket umpire in 1995, a role he continues to perform today.
Beyond umpiring, he served as Cricket Coordinator, Indoor Games Coordinator, and Operational Sergeant, contributing significantly to sportsmanship, discipline, and team culture within the Force. His involvement also extended to cricket commentary, where he provided match analysis and coverage over many years.
Matthews described the award as a personal milestone and expressed appreciation to the Commissioner of Police, Deputy Commissioner (Administration) Ravindradat Budhram, and the Force’s executive leadership for their continued support and recognition.
Table Tennis
The Guyana Table Tennis Association officially recognised the champions of the 2025 Senior National Table Tennis Championships at a presentation ceremony held earlier this week at the Guyana Olympic Association Conference Room.
The event honoured champions across singles, doubles, and class categories.
In the Women’s Singles Final, 15-year-old Jasmine Billingy captured her first senior national title, defeating Samara Sukhai, while Nevaeh Clarkson and Akira Watson shared third place.
The Men’s Singles title was claimed by Shemar Britton, extending his dominance at the national level. Elishaba Johnson finished second, with Van Lange and Alleyne sharing third place.
Britton emerged as the tournament’s most decorated player, capturing three titles overall. He won the Men’s Doubles alongside Jonathan Van Lange, and the Mixed Doubles with Chelsea Edghill.
Billingy also delivered a strong overall performance, adding the Women’s Doubles title alongside Samara Sukhai.
Other champions included Malachi Moore in the B Class Open and Alex Garraway in the C Class Open.
Boxing
The Guyana Boxing Association has received provisional recognition from World Boxing, the International Olympic Committee-recognised governing body for the sport.
This approval grants immediate eligibility for Guyanese amateur boxers to compete in all World Boxing-sanctioned events, including the World Challenge, World Cup, and World Championships.
The development represents a major step forward for local boxers with Olympic ambitions, as World Boxing is currently the only federation authorised by the IOC to manage Olympic qualification pathways.
The approval followed a lengthy application process that began in February and concluded with formal confirmation dated December 11. According to GBA President Steve Ninvalle, the delay was communicated to the Guyana Olympic Association, as it directly affected athlete preparation and planning.
Despite the extended process, the Guyana Boxing Association reaffirmed its commitment to strong governance, IOC compliance, and ensuring fair opportunities for its athletes.
The GBA now holds full participation rights in World Boxing events and will seek full recognition when its application is reviewed at the World Boxing Congress in 2026.
Golf
The Lusignan Golf Club closed its 2025 competitive season with its Annual Holiday Social and Partner Scramble Nine-Hole Tournament, held in a festive Christmas-themed atmosphere.
The event marked the final tournament on the club’s 2025 calendar and featured members and their partners, holiday décor, seasonal attire, and strong camaraderie, followed by a well-attended Christmas social at the clubhouse.
Carlos Adams and Gavin Todd claimed top honours with a gross score of 36, a team handicap of five, and the best net score of 31.
Romel Bhagwandin and Max Persaud, along with Kevin Budram and Mahin Harry, finished close behind with net scores of 32.
Other notable performances included Brian Hackett and Patrick Prashad with a net 33, while Imtiaz Subhan and Ayube Subhan recorded a net 34.
Individual prizes were awarded to Mike Mangal for Nearest to the Pin and Richard Haniff for Longest Drive.
Club Professional Dr. Joaan Deo described the event as a fitting end to the season, highlighting strong participation, competitive play, and the festive spirit that defines the club.
Special season awards went to Orson Ferguson as Most Improved Golfer, Patrick Prashad as Most Honest Golfer, Troy Cadogan as Best Dressed Golfer, and Mortimer Wills as Most Enthusiastic New Golfer.
Horse Racing
Slingerz Racing Stable achieved a historic milestone in Brazilian horse racing as Galo White captured victory in the prestigious Linneo de Paula Machado Grand Prix (Group 1) at the Hipódromo da Gávea in Rio de Janeiro.
Run over 2,000 metres on soft turf, the race formed the centrepiece of the Founder’s Meeting and delivered a series of landmark firsts.
Breaking sharply from the gates, Galo White took immediate control under champion jockey João Victor, setting the pace throughout. In the home stretch, the horse accelerated clear to secure a decisive victory in 1:58.46, holding off Express Moon, with Mexicano finishing third.
The triumph marked Galo White’s first Group 1 victory, the first Group 1 win for Slingerz Racing Stable in Brazil, and a career-defining success for both trainer Lênio Roberto Vieira and jockey João Victor, each earning their first win at this elite level.
It also made Galo White the first horse older than three to win the race since its 2025 format change.
Owner Javed Ali praised the Brazilian team behind the horse, describing the victory as a major confidence boost for investment in Brazilian racing and a defining moment in the stable’s expanding international success.
