By Delwin Neblett | HGP Nightly News |
Chess
As part of his ongoing engagements with national sports institutions, Director of Sport Steve Ninvalle recently met with executives of the Guyana Chess Federation, reaffirming government support for the development of chess across the country.
Discussions centred on regional expansion, youth and female participation, international competition, and strategic planning for 2026. The National Sports Commission is committed to continued support for venues, including access to the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall, and provided an update on the construction of a new chess facility expected to be completed in 2026.
The engagement reinforced the government’s partnership with the federation and its commitment to advancing chess nationwide.
Football
Moving into football, MACORP officials Nadia DeAbreu, Totaram Sucknanan, and Miguel Oviedo were present to confirm the company’s partnership with the Petra Organisation for Guyana’s first-ever Tertiary Education Football Tournament, which kicks off on February 8.
MACORP presented a contribution of G$600,000 to Petra representatives Troy Peters and Troy Mendoca in support of the one-month tournament, which will feature 14 teams from tertiary institutions across the country.
The partnership aims to strengthen MACORP’s engagement with technical and educational institutions while promoting discipline, teamwork, and youth development through sport.
Cycling
In cycling, action commenced on Thursday in the Kaieteur Attack Cycling Club’s 7th Guyana–Suriname Cycling Group Ride, with more than 50 riders from Guyana, the wider Caribbean, and the diaspora departing from the Sheriff Medical Centre in Georgetown.
Stage One covers 145 miles, ending in Nickerie. Stage Two will see riders travel 75 miles from Nickerie to Coronie, followed by an 85-mile Stage Three from Coronie to Paramaribo. The fourth and final stage, expected to be completed by January 27, will feature a 90-mile ride from Paramaribo to Albina.
Golf
Turning to golf, the Lusignan Golf Club is set to launch the National Top Flight Golf League, an eight-week medal tour to be played every Sunday and open to both members and non-members.
The league will feature full handicap play, weekly points scoring, cash prizes, and a trophy for the overall champion. Points will be accumulated each round, ensuring competitive standings throughout the season, with additional rewards for consistency and participation.
The initiative aims to encourage inclusive competitive golf while supporting handicap development nationwide.
Cricket
Finally, in cricket, the West Indies secured a 13-run victory over Afghanistan in the third and final T20 International at the Dubai International Stadium on Thursday.
Batting first after being sent in, the Windies posted 151-7 from their 20 overs, with Brandon King top-scoring with 47 off 35 balls, while Matthew Forde added a quick 27 off 11. Ziaur Rahman, Abdullah Ahmadzai, and Rashid Khan each picked up two wickets for Afghanistan.
In reply, Afghanistan were restricted to 138-8, despite a brilliant 73 from Rahmanullah Gurbaz. Shamar Springer delivered a match-winning performance, claiming a superb hat-trick and finishing with 4 for 20, earning him the Player of the Match award.
The Player of the Series accolade went to Afghanistan’s Darwish Rasooli.
