By Delwin Neblett | HGP Nightly News |
National Sports Planning
The National Sports Commission has officially begun its planning process for the 2026 sporting year, launching a series of consultative meetings with affiliated sports associations.
Led by Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle, the engagements focus on competition calendars, athlete and technical development plans, and key administrative goals. The initiative is intended to strengthen coordination, improve long-term planning, and enhance support for national sporting bodies.
The first round of meetings, held on Wednesday, January 14, included Archery Guyana, the Guyana Shooting Federation, and a separate engagement with the National Blind Cricket Association.
Football Refereeing
In football, Guyana has secured increased representation on the FIFA International Match Officials List for 2026, with six referees selected.
Returning to the panel are Shavin Greene, Kleon Lindey, Brandon Cyrus, Denisha Isaacs, and Colin Abel, while Kenisha Prescott earns her first selection following strong regional and international performances.
The appointments highlight continued growth in Guyanese refereeing and strengthen the country’s presence on the international football stage.
Chess
In chess, FIDE Master Rawle Allicock emerged champion of the Blitz New Year Challenge Chess Tournament on Sunday.
Allicock finished unbeaten on 6.5 points, winning on tie-breaks ahead of Kyle Couchman, with Roberto Neto placing third on 6 points.
Jessica Callender secured the Best Female award, while Aiden Tinnie claimed Best Junior.
The tournament featured 24 players and was hosted by the Guyana Chess Federation at the Pegasus Chess Club.
Women’s Cricket
Action continued in the 2026 CWI Women’s T20 Blaze on Thursday as Guyana faced the Leeward Islands at the Arnos Vale Playing Field in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Batting first, the Leeward Islands posted 106 for 9. Reniece Boyce top-scored with 51, supported by Amanda Edwards with 31. Guyana’s spinners dominated, with Vice-Captain Ashmini Munisar taking 4 for 15, and Plaffianna Millington grabbing 3 for 11.
In reply, Guyana were bowled out for 99, despite Mandy Mangru’s 24 and Sheneta Grimmond’s 23.
Amanda Edwards led the bowling for the Leewards with 3 for 18, as Davronique Maynard and Quiana Joseph each claimed two wickets in a seven-run victory.
Guyana’s next fixture will be against Jamaica on Saturday, also at Arnos Vale.
ICC U-19 World Cup
Finally in cricket, the West Indies Under-19 team opened their 2026 ICC U-19 Men’s World Cup campaign with a five-wicket win over Tanzania in Namibia on Thursday.
Batting first, Tanzania were dismissed for 122, with Vitel Lawes taking 3 for 23, while Micah McKenzie and Shaquan Belle claimed two wickets each.
In response, the West Indies reached 124 for 5, led by a brilliant 52 from Tanez Francis and 44 from Jewel Andrew.
The West Indies U-19s will next face Afghanistan at the High Performance Oval in Windhoek on Sunday.
