By: Delwin Neblett | HGP Nightly News|
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA — The countdown to the CARIFTA Games has officially begun with high-level government support, while local bodybuilding crowns new “Rising Stars” and international cricket sees a dominant Australian sweep. Here is your sports wrap-up for Thursday, March 26, 2026.
Athletics: Minister Jacobs Visits CARIFTA Contingent in Leonora
Preparation is hitting a fever pitch for Guyana’s elite young athletes ahead of the 2026 CARIFTA Games in Grenada. Hon. Steven Jacobs, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Sport, recently visited the national squad during an intensive training session at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora.
- The Mission: Team Guyana is determined to surpass its 2025 haul of five medals.
- The Star Power: The contingent is headlined by reigning CARIFTA Girls U-20 400m Champion Tianna Springer, who remains Guyana’s top golden prospect for the Grenada games.
Bodybuilding: Shakeel Babb Crowned “Battle of the Rising Stars” Champion
The Guyana Amateur Bodybuilding & Fitness Federation (GABBFF) took over the Ramada Princess Hotel on Sunday for the “Battle of the Rising Stars 2” Novice Championship.
- Overall Winner: Shakeel Babb delivered a flawless package to emerge as the overall champion.
- Category Winners: * Jonathan Nedderman (Over-176 lbs)
- Vijay Rahim (Under-165 lbs)
- Ehimen Eitokpah (Men’s Physique)
- Women & Youth: Weslyn Gonsalves, Reneka Stephenson, and Marlisa Osbourne secured their respective category titles, while Vana Burnett took home the Kids Fitness crown.
Cricket: Nichosie Barker’s All-Round Brilliance Sinks Diplomats
In the 2026 Sherwin Williams 2nd Division T20 Cup, Malteenoes Sports Club defended their home turf with a clinical performance against the Diplomats.
- Malteenoes Innings: The hosts posted a formidable 217-5, anchored by half-centuries from Marcus Watkins and Nichosie Barker.
- The Barker Show: Not content with his batting contribution, Nichosie Barker produced a devastating bowling spell, taking 6 wickets for just 6 runs in 3.4 overs to bowl out the Diplomats for 113.
Cricket: DCC “Spin Twins” Bamboozle Ace Warriors
Action in the Sherwin Williams T20 Cup continued at the DCC Ground, where the home side’s spinners made short work of the Ace Warriors.
- The Collapse: Ace Warriors were bundled out for a mere 73 as the “Spin Twins”—Kaylon Callender and Ricardo Percival—combined to take 9 of the 10 wickets.
- The Chase: DCC reached 74-6 to secure the win, led by an aggressive 31 from Jayden Dowlin.
Cricket: Australia Completes 3-0 Sweep of West Indies Women
The West Indies Women faced a tough end to their T20I series against Australia at Arnos Vale, St. Vincent, on Monday.
- Australia’s Dominance: Led by a “majestic” 101 from Georgia Voll, Australia reached a massive 211-7. Hayley Matthews was the standout for the Windies with 3-29.
- Rain & DLS: The Windies were 61-3 in the 10th over when rain halted play. Under the DLS Method, Australia was awarded a 40-run victory, completing a 3-0 series whitewash.
- Next Up: The focus now shifts to the ODI Series, starting this Friday at 14:00 at Warner Park in St. Kitts.
