Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Iran will not compete in 2026 World Cup, says sports minister

    Iran will not compete in 2026 World Cup, says sports minister

    In a significant development for international football, Iran has officially declared its withdrawal from the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The announcement was made by Ahmad Donyamali, Iran’s Minister of Sports and Youth, during an interview with the IRIB Sports Network on Tuesday.

    The decision comes amid escalating geopolitical tensions following military strikes by the United States and Israel that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran subsequently launched retaliatory attacks toward Israel and nations hosting US military installations.

    Despite earlier statements from US President Donald Trump expressing welcome for Iran’s participation in the North American-hosted tournament, Minister Donyamali asserted that security concerns for Iranian athletes made participation impossible. “Given that this corrupt government has assassinated our leader, under no circumstances do we have the appropriate conditions to participate in the World Cup,” Donyamali stated.

    The minister further elaborated on the challenging circumstances, noting: “Our boys are not safe, and conditions for participation do not exist. Over the past eight or nine months, two wars have been imposed on us and several thousand of our people have been killed and martyred. Therefore, we definitely do not have the possibility for participation.”

    Iran had been scheduled to compete in Group F matches against New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles on June 15 and June 21 respectively, followed by a match against Egypt in Seattle on June 26. The tournament, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States, is set to commence on June 11, 2026.

  • Jamaican teen Tajay Dias wins NGVB title in Suriname

    Jamaican teen Tajay Dias wins NGVB title in Suriname

    Jamaican football prospect Tajay Dias, aged 16, has secured his first international youth championship while competing with SV Transvaal’s junior squad in Suriname. The emerging talent contributed significantly to Jong Transvaal U23’s victorious campaign in the NGVB professional youth league, demonstrating notable adaptability and skill during his initial matches with the Surinamese club.

    This athletic achievement has simultaneously spotlighted the developmental frameworks established by Jamaican institutions Dunbeholden FC and Kickers Football Academy. Both organizations provided crucial foundational training that prepared Dias for international competition.

    Kickers Academy Managing Director Jevaun Hutchinson emphasized the broader implications of this success, stating it demonstrates the high potential of Jamaican youth players when they receive proper training infrastructure and international competitive opportunities.

    Echoing this sentiment, Dunbeholden FC Chief Commercial Officer Aubyn Henry characterized the championship as a positive developmental milestone. Henry highlighted the critical importance of patience in athlete development, noting that current priorities should focus on experience accumulation, technical refinement, and learning from high-level competition.

    “Young athletes who demonstrate commitment to their developmental journey often evolve into professionals capable of sustaining long-term careers,” Henry observed. “Dias is displaying promising capabilities in adapting to new challenges and diverse football environments, which bodes well for his future in the sport.”

    Having already captured an international youth title, Dias is rapidly establishing himself as one of Jamaica’s most promising football prospects. His early success further underscores how structured development systems are essential for cultivating the next generation of Caribbean football talent.

  • Island Champs get underway at DSCG

    Island Champs get underway at DSCG

    The Island Champs secondary school athletics championships exploded into action, heralding a week of intense competition set to culminate on March 22nd at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground. The opening day on Monday, March 9th, saw athletes from 25 schools across the island battle in a series of track and field preliminaries, establishing early benchmarks and setting the stage for a thrilling contest.

    The initial track events, conducted on a 300m grass surface, featured the 80m, 100m, 300m, and 400m sprints, alongside the 4x300m and 4x400m relays. The schedule continues with preliminary rounds for longer distances, including the 150m through to the 1500m, on Tuesday, with semifinals scheduled for Wednesday, March 18th. Concurrently, field events commence at the Saint Lucia Sports Academy on Wednesday, March 11th, opening with ball throw, javelin, long jump, and high jump across various divisions.

    While defending champions St Joseph’s Convent (SJC) and St Mary’s College (SMC) demonstrated a strong initial showing, they face formidable challenges from rivals including Vieux Fort Comprehensive (VFCSS), Soufriere Comprehensive, the Saint Lucia Sports Academy (SLSA), and Beanefield Comprehensive, ensuring the title race remains wide open.

    Notable early performances emerged across all age groups. In the Under-14 girls’ division, SJC’s Jaela St Clair and Skai Sammy dominated their 80m heats with a blistering 10.7 seconds. SLSA’s Brianne Jason commanded the 300m in 45.5 seconds, while VFCSS posted the leading 4x300m relay time.

    The boys’ competition was electrified by Soufriere’s Devin Mesmain, who emerged as the frontrunner in both the 80m (9.7s) and 300m (43.2s). He is poised for intense showdowns with Nasri Edwin (VFCSS) and others in the 80m, and must fend off defending champion Evan Sankar (SMC) for the 300m crown.

    In intermediate categories, Ianna James set the standard in the U-16 girls’ 100m with a time of 12.5 seconds. The battle for 400m supremacy appears to be between VFCSS and SLSA, with the latter’s Laila Nicholas clocking a leading 1:03.8. The boys’ intermediate 100m finals are shaping up to be a clash between VFCSS’s Renard Bernard (11.0s) and Sir Ira Simmons’ Armni Phillips (11.1s).

    The premier Under-18 division lived up to its hype, featuring clashes between established CARIFTA athletes. Beanefield’s Barbara-Marie Maximin edged ahead of Choiseul’s double champion Jady Emmanuel in the 100m, while Leon Hess’s Akaiha Weeks narrowly outperformed SLSA’s Isabella Emilienne in the 400m. The boys’ division saw the Beanefield duo of Kade Francis (10.7s) and Jermario Actille leading the 100m preliminaries, signaling a highly competitive finals week ahead.

  • $4.7 million gymnasium floor upgrade almost complete

    $4.7 million gymnasium floor upgrade almost complete

    Barbados has elevated its athletic infrastructure to world-class standards with the installation of the Caribbean’s first ultra-modern glass sports floor at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium. The groundbreaking $4.7 million project replaces traditional wooden flooring with a state-of-the-art surface designed to enhance durability and multi-sport functionality.

    During an exclusive media tour led by Minister of Sports and Community Empowerment Charles Griffith and National Sports Council Director Neil Murrell, officials demonstrated the innovative flooring system that uses projected lighting instead of physical tape for court markings. German installation specialists from ASB Multisport provided technical insights into the advanced surface that promises to transform athletic performance and event hosting capabilities.

    The modernization initiative addresses longstanding maintenance challenges associated with the previous wooden floor while significantly expanding the venue’s revenue potential through sports tourism. Minister Griffith emphasized that this investment positions Barbados alongside first-world nations in sporting infrastructure, noting that nearly $50 million has been allocated to facility upgrades between the last financial year and present.

    Construction commenced in mid-January and has progressed substantially ahead of schedule. The government plans to implement protective measures, including specialized floor covers, to accommodate non-sporting events while prioritizing usage by national basketball, volleyball, and netball federations. The minister stressed the importance of matching world-class athletic talent with comparable facilities, stating that elite athletes require premium infrastructure to excel internationally.

    Complementary projects include the ongoing installation of four light towers for the new 400-meter synthetic track within the gymnasium complex, scheduled for completion in coming weeks. Simultaneously, construction advances steadily on the new netball multipurpose stadium at Waterford, while renovations at the National Stadium continue ahead of projected timelines.

  • Gros Islet crowned U-19 champions after five-wicket win over Central Castries

    Gros Islet crowned U-19 champions after five-wicket win over Central Castries

    In a highly anticipated rematch between last year’s co-champions, Gros Islet emerged as the sole victor in the Sandals/Saint Lucia National Cricket Association Under-19 Boys’ Cricket Tournament final. The northern squad secured their eighth championship title with a convincing five-wicket triumph over Central Castries at Mindoo Philip Park on Sunday.

    The decisive match unfolded with Gros Islet’s bowlers demonstrating exceptional discipline, restricting their opponents to 183 all out. Central Castries’ innings featured a notable 45-run contribution from captain Theo Edward, who struck five boundaries and two sixes before being dismissed by Neil Poyotte. The batting lineup’s primary strength came from Aiden Scholar, who anchored the innings with a top-score of 70 runs, though he received limited support from the middle order except for Tyler Venner’s valuable 29-run addition.

    Gros Islet’s bowling attack proved instrumental to their success, with Kaleb Charles delivering an impressive performance of 3-26, well-complemented by Poyotte’s 3-43 haul. The collective bowling effort effectively contained Central Castries’ scoring opportunities throughout their innings.

    The championship chase was characterized by strategic batting partnerships rather than individual brilliance. Gros Islet successfully reached their target in just 27.3 overs through coordinated team effort. Daniel Lorde led the scoring with 42 runs, while Roystan Fannis (19), Jonathan Daniel (27), and Kanil Nelson (22) all made crucial contributions to secure the victory under the guidance of head coach Alton Crafton.

  • Antiguan Athlete Jaeda Pigott Qualifies for CARIFTA Games in U17 800m

    Antiguan Athlete Jaeda Pigott Qualifies for CARIFTA Games in U17 800m

    Emerging track sensation Jaeda Pigott from Antigua has officially clinched her position at the prestigious CARIFTA Games following an impressive performance in the Under-17 Girls’ 800-meter event during the recent qualification trials. The Antigua Barbuda Athletic Association (ABAA) confirmed Pigott’s achievement, highlighting her remarkable composure in overcoming challenging weather conditions that included torrential rainfall during the competition.

    This accomplishment represents a significant milestone in Pigott’s athletic career, marking her inaugural qualification for the Caribbean’s premier junior athletics championship. The timing of her achievement carried additional symbolic weight, occurring on International Women’s Day, which the athletic association noted as emblematic of the accelerating development of female sporting talent throughout the nation.

    The young middle-distance runner now enters an intensive preparation phase as she gears up to compete against the Caribbean’s most promising junior athletes. The CARIFTA Games, established in 1972, has served as a traditional proving ground for future regional track stars who often progress to international competitions.

    ABAA officials have extended their formal congratulations to Pigott, expressing confidence in her competitive potential and celebrating her as an inspirational figure for Antigua and Barbuda’s sporting community. The association’s statement emphasized their commitment to supporting young athletes through developmental programs that identify and nurture track and field talent across both islands.

  • Brittons Hill take top spot after defeating Ellerton

    Brittons Hill take top spot after defeating Ellerton

    Brittons Hill United has dramatically ascended to the top of the Barbados Football Association’s Premier League table following a pivotal 3-1 comeback victory against rivals Ellerton in a heated ninth-round clash at the BFA Technical Centre in Wildey.

    The match began with Brittons Hill dominating possession, but it was Ellerton who struck first. In the 27th minute, Roshon Gittens expertly converted a free-kick from just outside the box, leaving goalkeeper Shaquille Frank motionless. The lead was short-lived, however. Brittons Hill captain T’Shane Lorde capitalized on a goalmouth scramble from a corner in the 33rd minute, prodding the ball home to equalize.

    The game’s momentum shifted decisively just four minutes later when Ellerton defender Shane Codrington received a straight red card for denying a clear goal-scoring opportunity. Playing against ten men, Brittons Hill seized control. Kirtney Franklyn, who was a constant threat on the left flank, put his team ahead in the 53rd minute by brilliantly controlling a long ball and calmly finishing for his league-leading eighth goal of the season. Ngozi Reid extended the advantage in the 64th minute with a powerful strike, sealing the 3-1 result.

    Despite the crucial win, Brittons Hill coach Richard Forde expressed dissatisfaction, urging his team to be more clinical in maintaining leads. The victory propels Brittons Hill to first place with 19 points, overtaking Paradise (17 points), while Ellerton remains third on goal difference.

    In other league action, defending champions Weymouth Wales missed a critical opportunity to claim the top spot after being held to a 1-1 draw by Eyre’s Meat Shop Pride of Gall Hill. This marks their fourth draw of the season, leaving coach Asquith Howell to lament his team’s inability to convert possession into goals. Elsewhere, Bagatelle secured a 2-1 win over struggling Wotton, further distancing themselves from the relegation zone.

  • Young DA athletes set new CARIFTA qualifying standards and break national record

    Young DA athletes set new CARIFTA qualifying standards and break national record

    A new generation of track and field talent is emerging from Dominica as three young athletes post record-breaking performances, securing their places at the prestigious CARIFTA Games. The Dominica Athletic Association Inc. has officially recognized these exceptional achievements that signal a promising future for the nation’s athletics program.

    Keyoni Esprit of Pioneers Athletics Club delivered a blistering performance in the Under-17 Boys 200-meter event, clocking an impressive 22.6 seconds. This time not only represents significant personal improvement for the young sprinter but also comfortably meets the strict qualification standard for the upcoming regional championship.

    In the shorter sprint distance, Delanie George from Aspirers Athletics Club demonstrated explosive power and technical precision by achieving the CARIFTA qualifying mark in the Under-17 Boys 100-meter dash with a time of 11.0 seconds flat, showcasing consistency and competitive readiness.

    Perhaps most notably, high jumper Khaarim John-Baptiste, also representing Aspirers Athletics Club, made history by setting a new national record in the Under-18 High Jump category. His clearance of 1.87 meters surpassed his previous record established just weeks earlier, demonstrating remarkable rapid progression and technical development.

    The Dominica Athletic Association Inc. has extended formal congratulations to these athletes and their coaching teams, emphasizing that these accomplishments reflect both individual dedication and the growing strength of local athletic development programs.

    “These exceptional performances underscore the continuous evolution of track and field in Dominica and spotlight the extraordinary talent cultivated within our community clubs,” stated association representatives. “We anticipate providing further updates as our athletes intensify their preparations for forthcoming regional competitions.”

  • Dominica Amateur Athletics Association undergoes name change as part of long-term expansion

    Dominica Amateur Athletics Association undergoes name change as part of long-term expansion

    In a landmark move signaling strategic evolution, the national governing body for track and field in Dominica has officially transitioned from its former identity as the Dominica Amateur Athletics Association to the newly established Dominica Athletics Association Inc. This transformative rebranding, effective immediately, represents a pivotal moment in the organization’s institutional development.

    The comprehensive name change forms an integral component of the Association’s broader modernization initiative, designed to achieve closer alignment with global standards promulgated by World Athletics, the international governing body for the sport. Officials emphasize that this strategic pivot extends far beyond superficial nomenclature, embodying a fundamental shift in organizational philosophy and scope.

    President Brendan Williams articulated the vision behind this significant transition, stating: “Our historical concentration on amateur athletics has now evolved into a comprehensive mandate encompassing emerging talents, elite performers, and professional competitors alike. This rebranding crystallizes our dedication to serving every athlete within our jurisdiction.”

    This organizational transformation emerges from an extensive strategic blueprint focused on enhancing governance protocols, securing sustainable operations, and formalizing administrative structures. The overhaul aims to strengthen the Association’s capacity to deliver impactful programs benefiting athletes, coaching personnel, and sports clubs across the Commonwealth of Dominica.

    Despite these substantial changes, the Association reaffirms its unwavering commitment to its foundational mission: promoting, developing, and regulating athletic pursuits nationwide while creating pathways for domestic and international competitive excellence. All stakeholders—including members, affiliated clubs, institutional partners, and the general public—are urged to adopt the new designation in all official communications and documentation moving forward.

  • Over 20 La Ruta Maya Teams Paddle to Belcan

    Over 20 La Ruta Maya Teams Paddle to Belcan

    In an unprecedented display of unity, more than twenty canoe teams competing in the 2026 La Ruta Maya Belize River Challenge transformed their competitive race into a coordinated protest against organizational changes to the historic event. On March 9, 2026, paddlers collectively rejected the newly established finish line, instead converging at the entrance of the channel leading to the traditional Belcan Bridge endpoint.

    The dramatic scene unfolded as exhausted athletes, having completed four days and 180 miles of rigorous paddling, deliberately paused their competition to form a unified flotilla. Rather than racing individually to the new finish line, they proceeded together in a solemn procession toward the Belcan Bridge—a site that has marked the conclusion of this decades-old tradition since its inception.

    This coordinated action came as direct opposition to race organizers’ decision to relocate the finish line, a move many participants decried as excessive commercialization of the beloved cultural event. The protest garnered immediate support from spectators both on-site and online, with crowds at Haulover Bridge erupting in cheers as the unified teams approached.

    Despite the protest, competitive results were still recorded based on previous leg completions, with team PACT on TRAK—featuring paddlers Amado Cruz, Enrique Cruz, and Cristian Lopez—claiming overall victory by sweeping all four legs of the challenge.

    The event was broadcast live by News 5 Belize, capturing emotional reactions from supporters who praised the athletes’ stand for tradition. One viewer commented during the live coverage: ‘Finally Belizeans stand together for something… really proud of you all,’ capturing the national significance of this demonstration.

    The protest arrival at Belcan Bridge marked a historic moment in the event’s history, demonstrating the deep cultural importance of sporting traditions and athletes’ willingness to prioritize principle over competition.