Sports Roundup: NSC Engagements, Boxing Championship Set, Racing, Cricket and T20I Action
NSC Continues Strategic Engagements with National Sporting Bodies
The National Sports Commission on Monday continued its series of consultations with national sporting bodies, meeting with the Athletics Association of Guyana (AAG) and the Guyana Darts Association.
Discussions with the AAG centred on a demanding 2026 track and field calendar, youth and grassroots development, investment in regional programmes, participation in the CARIFTA Games, international competitions, and long-term Olympic qualification objectives. The Commission reaffirmed its commitment to supporting athletics and commended the AAG for its strong youth development framework and continued regional success.
In its meeting with the Guyana Darts Association, the NSC confirmed continued support while praising the association’s progress at regional and international levels. The Commission also encouraged expanded local participation to strengthen the sport’s national footprint.
The engagements reinforced the NSC’s emphasis on collaboration, strategic planning, and sustainable sports development across Guyana.
Caribbean Pro/Am Boxing Championship Fight Card Unveiled
The full fight card for the inaugural Caribbean Pro/Am Boxing Championship was officially announced on Monday during a press briefing at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
The event, scheduled for Saturday, January 24, was unveiled by Seon Bristol, President of the Caribbean Boxing Organisation and CEO of Bris-O Promotion.
Fighters from Guyana, The Bahamas, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and Barbados will compete across thirteen bouts, including seven professional and six amateur contests. Headlining the card are local standouts Desmond Amsterdam, Joel Williamson, Shakquain James, and Abiola Jackman.
Organisers emphasised affordable entertainment alongside strict athlete and spectator safety measures. The championship is the first of three planned boxing events in Guyana, as the Caribbean targets hosting up to ten cards annually, with Guyana positioned as a key hub. The official weigh-in is set for Friday, January 23.
One Guyana Racing Stable Debuts “Sir London” on Pegasus World Cup Day
The One Guyana Racing Stable will shine the spotlight on Caribbean racing this weekend as “Sir London” makes his stable debut on Pegasus World Cup Day at Gulfstream Park.
The USA-bred horse, purchased at the Fasig-Tipton Sales, is part of the stable’s campaign toward a second consecutive Sandy Lane Barbados Gold Cup victory. “Sir London” is trained by champion conditioner Saffie Joseph Jr. and will compete in an allowance optional claiming race as preparation for the Barbados feature.
The outing marks Sir London’s first start for the stable and comes on one of the strongest racing cards of the season. The horse enters with proven form, including a track-record victory at Laurel Park.
Reliance Hustlers Capture Jairam Bessesar T20 Title
Cricket action unfolded on Sunday in the Jairam Bessesar T20 Final, organised by the North Essequibo Cricket Committee, at the Hampton Court Cricket Ground.
Batting first, International Import and Supplies Challengers were dismissed for 115 in 18.2 overs, with Trivel Evans scoring 42 and Gladwyn Henry adding 23. Neiland Cadogan led the bowling for Reliance Hustlers with figures of 3-10, supported by Bernard Lewis.
Reliance Hustlers responded by reaching 117-6 in 19.1 overs, led by Eknauth Persaud’s 38 and an unbeaten 17 from Player of the Match Neiland Cadogan. The Hustlers completed a clean sweep of individual awards, with Sedeshwar Shivamber finishing as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker and Mark Austin topping the run charts.
Afghanistan Defeat West Indies in T20I Series Opener
The three-match T20 International series between the West Indies cricket team and Afghanistan cricket team began on Monday at the Dubai International Stadium.
Afghanistan, batting first, posted 181-3, powered by an unbeaten 87 from Ibrahim Zadran and a match-winning 84 from Player of the Match Darwish Rasooli. Jayden Seales and Matthew Forde claimed a wicket apiece for the West Indies.
In reply, the West Indies were restricted to 143-9. Guyanese debutant Quentin Sampson top-scored with 30, while Gudakesh Motie added 28. Afghanistan’s bowlers were led by Ziaur Rahman with 3-36, supported by Rashid Khan and Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
The second match of the series bowls off on Wednesday evening at the same venue.
