By: Delwin Neblett | HGP Nightly News|
National Aquatic Centre Closed for Inspections as Sports Action Intensifies Across Guyana
Guyana’s sporting landscape remained active on Monday, January 5, 2026, with major developments across swimming, martial arts, boxing and football.
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has announced a one-week closure of the National Aquatic Centre at Liliendaal to facilitate comprehensive technical inspections of the Olympic-sized 50-metre pool. The facility, which opened in November 2011 and has been in continuous use for nearly 15 years, is undergoing detailed forensic checks to ensure it continues to meet international standards.
According to the NSC, the temporary closure is part of a broader programme aimed at assessing all sports facilities under its management for compliance with international sporting requirements. The commission confirmed that the aquatic centre will reopen immediately upon completion of the inspections.
In martial arts, the IKO Karate Academy Guyana has reported steady progress in the National Karate in Schools Programme, an initiative launched under the patronage of President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali. The programme currently engages more than 300 students across ten administrative regions and ten schools nationwide.
A cluster-training model is being utilised, with multiple schools training at central locations supported by organised transportation. Each session is facilitated by two instructors and can accommodate up to 50 students. Despite early logistical challenges, organisers say the programme is now operating smoothly and is designed for long-term sustainability.
Plans are already in place to host an inter-school karate competition during the mid-year period, ahead of the August school vacation. The event will be used to assess student development and prepare athletes for potential international competition. The programme has also boosted youth participation at the IKO Guyana Training Centre on Woolford Avenue, while physical education teachers are being trained to support continued progress between sessions. Participating schools include Annandale Secondary, President’s College, Bygeval Secondary, Aurora Secondary, Mackenzie High School and North Ruimveldt Secondary.
