By Delwin Neblett | HGP Nightly News |
Anna Regina Stadium Project Advances in Region Two
Earlier today, the Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steven Jacobs, met with contractors and consultants at the Anna Regina Stadium to assess progress on ongoing construction and to outline the next phases of development.
The facility has been identified as a strategic national investment aimed at expanding sporting opportunities beyond urban centres. Once completed, the stadium is expected to position Region Two to host major regional and international sporting events.
Designed with a multi-purpose layout, the Anna Regina Stadium is projected to create employment opportunities, stimulate community development, increase youth participation in sport, and enhance Essequibo’s profile as a destination for sport and leisure.
Petra Organisation to Launch New Tertiary Football Competition
In football, the Petra Organisation is set to launch its 2026 football calendar with the introduction of a new tertiary-level competition targeting technical institutes and universities. The initiative, backed by MODEC, is aimed at extending structured player development beyond the secondary school level.
Organisers say the competition is designed to maintain continuity in football development, bridge the gap between youth and senior football, and engage a previously untapped segment of the student population.
Following the tertiary tournament, Petra will roll out a full slate of male and female youth competitions throughout the year, including Under-11, Under-14 and Under-18 events at both primary and secondary school levels. The season will culminate with the KFC Goodwill International Under-18 Tournament in December.
Three Guyanese Jockeys Secure International Licences
In horse racing, Guyana has recorded a major milestone with Yovin Kissoonchand, Colin Ross, and Ronaldo Appadu now officially licensed as professional jockeys.
The trio returned home after successfully completing their physical riding examinations and assessments last week at the Garrison Savannah in Barbados. They are now formally licensed by the Barbados Turf Club, allowing them to compete in professional horse racing events across the international circuit.
Their achievement marks a significant step forward for Guyanese horse racing and opens new pathways for local riders on the global stage.
Guyana Defeats Windward Islands in Women’s T20 Blaze
In cricket, action continued in the 2026 Women’s T20 Blaze as Guyana faced the Windward Islands at the Arnos Vale Playing Field on Tuesday.
Batting first after being sent in, Guyana posted 96 for 5 from their 20 overs. Shabika Gajnabi top-scored with 38, while Mandy Mangru added 16 and vice-captain Ashmini Munisar remained unbeaten on 17. For the Windward Islands, Carena Noel and Zaida James each claimed one wicket.
In reply, the Windward Islands were restricted to 89 for 5, despite a fighting 41 from Janillea Glasgow and 33 from Afy Fletcher. Plaffianna Millington, Sheneta Grimmond and Ashmini Munisar each picked up one wicket as Guyana secured a seven-run victory.
Guyana’s next match in the tournament will be against the Leeward Islands on Thursday, again at Arnos Vale.
West Indies U-19 Dominate Japan in Warm-Up Match
Finally in cricket, the West Indies U-19 delivered a commanding performance in a warm-up fixture against Japan at the United Cricket Club Ground in Windhoek.
Batting first after being sent in, the West Indies amassed 346 for 6 from 50 overs, powered by a superb 122 from Tanez Francis and a blistering 124 from Guyanese batsman Shamar Apple.
Japan were then bowled out for 117 in response, with R’Jai Gittens producing a devastating spell of 4 for 8, while Vitel Lawes supported with 3 for 28. The West Indies secured a comprehensive 229-run victory.
The West Indies Under-19 side is scheduled to open its 2026 ICC Men’s U-19 World Cup campaign against Tanzania in Namibia on Thursday.
