Carib Scope

分类： sports

  • Updated rules to be observed at World Athletics Indoor Championships in March

    Updated rules to be observed at World Athletics Indoor Championships in March

    World Athletics has unveiled a comprehensive set of rule modifications set to take effect in the 2026 competitive season, with several changes already implemented in November 2025. The international governing body for track and field announced these significant updates through social media graphics, specifically targeting relay events and middle-distance races to improve both competitive equity and athlete safety.

    The most notable revision concerns relay race procedures when batons are dropped during exchanges. Under previous regulations, athletes were required to return precisely to the spot where the baton fell—a rule that proved impractical during high-intensity competition and challenging for officials to enforce without video technology. The updated protocol now permits the athlete who dropped the baton to retrieve it from any location, provided they do not shorten their running distance or obstruct other competitors. The fundamental requirement remains that athletes must carry the baton across the finish line.

    For indoor 800-meter events, World Athletics has introduced a standardized breakline positioned 165 meters after the start, coinciding with the entrance to the home straight. This breakline—already utilized in 400-meter races—provides competitors additional time and space to transition from assigned lanes to the inside lane, thereby reducing congestion and minimizing collision risks on tight indoor tracks.

    Additionally, the organization has modified the format for indoor 400-meter heats at World Indoor Championships. Each heat will now feature only four athletes running in lanes 3 through 6, deliberately leaving lanes 1 and 2 vacant due to the competitive disadvantage posed by tight curves on indoor tracks. This adjustment aims to create more equitable racing conditions while improving the experience for both participants and spectators.

    Another previously instituted rule for the 4×400-meter relay, established in March 2025, mandates that waiting athletes must arrange themselves based on their teammates’ positions as they complete their laps and cannot alter their positioning once established.

    These regulatory updates come ahead of the World Athletics Indoor Championships scheduled to commence on March 20, representing the organization’s continued effort to refine competition standards while prioritizing athlete safety and competitive integrity.

  • Spurs slip at Burnley increases pressure on Frank as City win

    Spurs slip at Burnley increases pressure on Frank as City win

    The Premier League landscape witnessed significant shifts this weekend, headlined by Tottenham Hotspur’s continued struggles and Manchester City’s resurgence in the title race.

    At Turf Moor, Tottenham’s campaign encountered further turbulence with a 2-2 draw against relegation-threatened Burnley. The result intensifies scrutiny on manager Thomas Frank, who faced vocal criticism from supporters following last week’s defeat to West Ham. Spurs initially controlled proceedings with Micky van de Ven’s powerful strike rewarding their first-half dominance. However, defensive vulnerabilities resurfaced as Axel Tuanzebe equalized before halftime and Lyle Foster put Burnley ahead in the 76th minute. Captain Cristian Romero’s late header salvaged a point, but the draw leaves Tottenham languishing in 13th position with just two league victories in their last thirteen outings.

    Meanwhile, Manchester City reignited their championship challenge with a decisive performance against Wolverhampton Wanderers. Pep Guardiola’s side addressed recent concerns emphatically, resting Erling Haaland amid his goal drought while introducing new defensive acquisition Marc Guehi. The Citizens established control early through Omar Marmoush’s sixth-minute opener, followed by Antoine Semenyo’s first-half strike. The victory propels City to 46 points, narrowing Arsenal’s advantage to four points ahead of the leaders’ Sunday fixture against Manchester United.

    Elsewhere, Fulham demonstrated resilience by overturning a deficit to defeat Brighton 2-1 at Craven Cottage, while West Ham secured their second consecutive victory with a 3-1 triumph over Sunderland. Manager Nuno Espirito Santo emphasized the need for additional reinforcements despite the improved results, highlighting the ongoing January transfer window as critical to their survival ambitions.

    The weekend’s action concluded with Liverpool’s evening fixture at Bournemouth, featuring Mohamed Salah’s return to the starting lineup following his Africa Cup of Nations participation.

  • ABFA Hosts Badge Ceremony for FIFA Match Officials

    ABFA Hosts Badge Ceremony for FIFA Match Officials

    In a significant event for Caribbean football, the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) convened a formal Badge Ceremony on January 21, 2026, to honor its cadre of FIFA-accredited match officials. The gathering, held at the ABFA Conference Room, served as a platform to celebrate the referees’ professional dedication and their critical role in maintaining the sport’s integrity.

    Senior ABFA leadership, including Technical Director Sowerby Gomes and Head of Referees Kelesha Antoine, presided over the proceedings. Both officials delivered commendations, highlighting the referees’ unwavering professionalism and their adherence to the highest international standards of officiating. The ceremony placed particular emphasis on the values of integrity, fairness, and the responsibility of officials to act as role models within the sporting community.

    A special segment of the event was dedicated to acknowledging three officials—Shemroy Alie, Teyarni Mourrillon, and Robet Emmanuel—for their pursuit of advanced training through regional referee development courses. Their engagement in these programs was cited as a vital investment in elevating the quality and credibility of football officiating across the nation and the wider region.

    The ABFA used the opportunity to reiterate its steadfast commitment to referee development programs. Gratitude was extended to technical instructors Darez Dundas and Ishan Philip, along with the assessors and support staff, for their instrumental role in preparing and equipping the officiating team. The association expressed strong confidence that these efforts will continue to foster the growth and professionalization of football in Antigua and Barbuda.

  • Kareem Francis earns Texas football scholarship

    Kareem Francis earns Texas football scholarship

    A promising young athlete from Saint Lucia has achieved a significant breakthrough in his sporting career, securing an international scholarship through a strategic football recruitment program. Kareem Francis, an accomplished midfielder from Monchy United, has been offered a comprehensive scholarship to attend Ranger College in Texas beginning fall 2026, where he will pursue engineering studies while advancing his football career.

    The opportunity emerged from Francis’s standout performance during the Gros Islet Football League Showcase Classic in December 2025, where his technical skills and athleticism captured the attention of international scouts. As both a student at Castries Comprehensive Secondary School and a trainee at the Carlyle Thomas Football Academy (CTFA), Francis has demonstrated exceptional dedication to both academic and athletic pursuits.

    His parents expressed profound pride in his achievement. Mother Maria James credited CTFA and Monchy United FC for creating the opportunity, noting that coaches had specifically identified Francis as a player with exceptional potential. “He is very excited, as this surprising opportunity came to hand,” she stated, emphasizing her emotional response as a parent witnessing her son’s success.

    Father Kervin Francis highlighted the years of discipline and sacrifice behind this achievement, noting that his son’s success demonstrates how young athletes from the Caribbean region can compete internationally with proper mindset and work ethic. Beyond football, Francis has distinguished himself as a multi-sport athlete, representing Saint Lucia in Under-15 cricket as a top-order batsman and off-spinner, and earning multiple track and field medals during his primary school years.

    Ranger College presents an ideal environment for international athletes, with their 2025 roster featuring 17 players from diverse backgrounds including Colombia, England, Iceland, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Paraguay, Scotland, Spain, and Venezuela. Under Scottish head coach Ross Anderson, now entering his third year with the program, the Rangers completed the 2025 season with six wins and two draws in thirteen matches.

    The recruitment initiative behind Francis’s scholarship appears poised to benefit additional Saint Lucian athletes. Scouts Daniel Fragachan and Manuel Hernández of MAD Sports Group are reportedly planning further opportunities for Caribbean players, potentially including a Texas-based showcase event in March.

  • Belle makes history for WI U19

    Belle makes history for WI U19

    In a stunning display of fast bowling, Barbadian teenager Shaquan Belle etched his name into the annals of cricket history during a crucial ICC Under-19 World Cup clash against South Africa. The decisive match unfolded at the High-Performance Oval in Windhoek, Namibia, where Belle’s extraordinary performance propelled the West Indies to a commanding 55-run victory.

    The slender right-arm paceman delivered a masterclass in bowling, decimating the South African batting lineup with figures of 6 wickets for just 40 runs from his allotted 10 overs. This remarkable achievement not only secured his team’s progression in the tournament but also established a new benchmark for Barbadian bowlers at the ICC U19 level, surpassing all previous records.

    Earlier in the contest, fellow Barbadian Zachary Carter laid the foundation for victory with a spectacular century. Carter’s explosive 114-run innings, featuring eight boundaries and an equal number of sixes, propelled the West Indies to a competitive total of 234 all out in 47.5 overs despite the team’s eventual dismissal.

    The South African junior squad struggled throughout their chase, ultimately collapsing at 179 runs in just 37.4 overs against the relentless West Indian bowling attack, with Belle serving as the primary architect of their downfall.

    The 19-year-old cricket prodigy, who recently completed his education at Scarborough School in the United Kingdom, previously attended The Lodge School in Barbados, demonstrating the Caribbean nation’s continued production of world-class sporting talent.

  • Antigua and Barbuda U17 Women Head to Curaçao for CONCACAF Qualifiers

    Antigua and Barbuda U17 Women Head to Curaçao for CONCACAF Qualifiers

    ST. JOHN’S, Antigua — The future of women’s football in Antigua and Barbuda is set for an international test as the nation’s Under-17 Women’s National Team has commenced its journey to Curaçao for the highly anticipated CONCACAF Women’s Under-17 Qualifiers. This tournament represents a crucial developmental milestone for the young squad, offering them a platform to compete against regional counterparts.

    The team faces a demanding group-stage schedule designed to evaluate their skill and endurance. Their inaugural match is scheduled against Guyana on Sunday evening at 7 p.m. local time. Following this, the squad will confront Guatemala in an afternoon fixture on Tuesday at 4 p.m. The competition continues Thursday night with a prime-time matchup versus the Cayman Islands at 7 p.m., culminating in their final group-stage encounter against St. Lucia on Saturday at 4 p.m.

    These qualifiers are recognized as an essential proving ground for emerging football talent across the CONCACAF region. The tournament structure provides national youth teams with competitive international experience and the opportunity to secure advancement, positioning themselves among the confederation’s elite youth programs.

    The Antigua and Barbuda delegation approaches the tournament with strategic focus, aiming to deliver robust performances against a varied field of opponents. This participation is viewed as a fundamental component of the country’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its football program at the youth international level, building a foundation for future success in women’s soccer.

  • Windies salvage pride with final match win over Afghanistan

    Windies salvage pride with final match win over Afghanistan

    In a dramatic conclusion to their T20 International series, the West Indies cricket team secured a morale-boosting 15-run victory against Afghanistan in Dubai. Playing for pride after conceding the series in the first two matches, the Caribbean side demonstrated remarkable resilience to claim their first-ever win at the Dubai International Stadium.

    Afghanistan captain Rashid Khan’s decision to field first after winning the toss marked a strategic departure from previous matches, intended to test his squad under varying conditions ahead of the ICC T20 World Cup. The West Indies, sent in to bat, built their innings around captain Brandon King’s determined 47 runs from 35 deliveries. Despite struggling to maintain momentum through the middle overs, late explosive contributions from Matthew Forde (27 off 11 balls) and Shamar Springer (16 off 9 balls) propelled the team to 151/7—the highest total recorded in the series.

    Afghanistan appeared poised for a clean sweep when openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran established a solid 74-run partnership. However, the West Indies bowlers mounted a spectacular comeback through disciplined line and length, gradually stifling the scoring rate. The match turned decisively in the 19th over when Barbadian all-rounder Shamar Springer achieved a sensational hat trick, dramatically shifting momentum.

    With Afghanistan requiring 20 runs from the final over, young bowler Ramon Romario Simmonds delivered under immense pressure, expertly defending the total to secure a memorable victory. This triumph provides crucial momentum for the West Indies as they prepare to face South Africa on January 27 in their final bilateral series before the upcoming ICC T20 World Cup.

  • PRESS RELEASE: West Indies U19 secure super 6 spot with 55-run victory over South Africa

    PRESS RELEASE: West Indies U19 secure super 6 spot with 55-run victory over South Africa

    WINDHOEK, Namibia – In a decisive Group D finale at the HP Oval, the West Indies Under-19 cricket team clinched their place in the Super Six phase of the 2026 ICC Under-19 Men’s World Cup with a commanding 55-run victory against South Africa. The regional squad concluded the group stage with four points from three matches, having previously defeated Tanzania but fallen short against Afghanistan.

    The match unfolded with West Indies opting to bat after winning the toss. Openers Tanez Francis and Zachary Carter navigated the early overs steadily before Francis departed for 14 in the seventh over. Carter then seized control, delivering a spectacular display of power-hitting that featured eight fours and eight sixes on his way to a maiden Youth ODI century. Captain Joshua Dorne contributed 20 runs in a stabilizing 82-run partnership before the middle order briefly faltered.

    Jonathan Van Lange (29) and Shaquan Belle (18) provided crucial lower-order contributions to propel West Indies to a competitive total of 234 all out.

    In response, South Africa – who had posted 397 runs against Tanzania in their previous outing – were bowled out for 179, owing largely to a sensational bowling performance by Shaquan Belle. The paceman recorded tournament-best figures of 6-40, well-supported by Jakeem Pollard, Isra-el Morton, and Vitel Lawes, who each claimed a wicket. Jason Rowles top-scored for South Africa with 46, but the team struggled to build meaningful partnerships under sustained West Indian pressure.

    Zachary Carter earned Player of the Match honors for his match-defining century. Reflecting on his performance, Carter stated: “My intention was to maximize the powerplay, build momentum, and help secure the win. After a couple of low scores, this innings means the world – it proves that with fight and belief, we can go far in this tournament.”

    The West Indies now advance to the Super Six round, where they will face the first and third-placed teams from Group A. Their next match is scheduled for January 25 at the HP Oval, followed by a fixture at Harare Sports Club in Zimbabwe on January 28. Broadcast coverage will be available through ESPN Caribbean, Disney+, Willow TV, Sky Sports, and via global streaming on ICC.tv.

  • Riverbank Basketball Development Project launched

    Riverbank Basketball Development Project launched

    After years of training under inadequate conditions, young basketball enthusiasts in St David, Grenada, are witnessing a transformative development in their sporting landscape. The historic Riverbank grounds, once characterized by insufficient lighting and subpar facilities, are now the focal point of an ambitious multi-phase redevelopment initiative officially launched last Sunday.

    Spearheaded by the St David Basketball League in collaboration with the St David Parish Sports Council and the Grenada National Basketball Association, the Riverbank Basketball Development Project represents a comprehensive approach to sports infrastructure enhancement. Interim President Brian James highlighted the parish’s longstanding basketball competitiveness despite the absence of formal league structures, which previously forced athletes to seek training opportunities elsewhere under challenging circumstances.

    The project, scheduled for completion by September 2026, encompasses seven distinct phases featuring substantial infrastructure upgrades. These include complete court resurfacing, installation of new backboards, enhanced lighting systems, spectator seating for approximately 150 people, modernized washroom facilities, and a multifunctional community space accommodating media requirements.

    Beyond physical improvements, the initiative emphasizes human capital development through structured training programs for local coaches, referee certification courses, and equipment provision for grassroots basketball programs. Extensive community consultations with residents, youth representatives, and business stakeholders have ensured the project aligns with local needs and aspirations.

    Significant preparatory work has already been completed, including major cleanup operations supported by the Ministry of Infrastructure and the Solid Waste Management Authority, which removed derelict vehicles and cleared the site for construction.

    Senator Seville Francis, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Youth and Sports, endorsed the project as exemplary of community-driven initiatives aligning with national development priorities. She emphasized sports’ proven effectiveness in building discipline, teamwork, leadership, and resilience among youth, noting that many national leaders began their journeys on community courts similar to Riverbank.

    The project aligns with the ministry’s 2023-2027 strategic mandate focusing on youth mobilization, training, activation, and opportunity creation. Senator Francis highlighted how deliberate investment and collaboration between government agencies, parish councils, and community leaders can generate substantial long-term social benefits.

    Justin Courtney, Chairperson of the St David Parish Sports Council, recognized Riverbank’s historical significance as a breeding ground for national cricket talent and expressed confidence that the renewed basketball focus would yield comparable success. The initiative has received endorsement from Patrick Simmons, Chairperson of the Grenada National Sports Council, who views it as a developmental model for other parishes and sporting disciplines nationwide.

    As approval processes and procurement activities advance, organizers anticipate Riverbank’s emergence as a modern sporting hub that honors its historical legacy while shaping a new future for basketball and community sports in St David. The project is expected to strengthen youth development pathways, promote healthier lifestyles, enhance community engagement, and reinforce sports’ role as a vital tool for national development.

  • Windies Under-19 advance to Super 6 after victory over South Africa

    Windies Under-19 advance to Super 6 after victory over South Africa

    In a decisive ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup clash on January 22nd, the West Indies U-19 squad clinched their advancement to the Super 6 round by defeating South Africa. The match, held at the High Performance Oval in Namibia, saw the Caribbean side secure second position in Group D, positioning themselves behind group leaders Afghanistan while accumulating crucial points for the next phase of the tournament.

    The encounter was historically significant as West Indies captain Joshua Dorne achieved a new milestone by becoming the most-capped Youth ODI skipper in West Indies U-19 history, surpassing the previous record held by test cricketer Kraigg Brathwaite.

    Batting first after winning the toss, the Windies found themselves in trouble at 115-4 after a devastating over that claimed three quick wickets. The innings was resurrected by a magnificent century from Zachary Carter, who dominated the South African bowling attack with 114 runs from just 104 deliveries. Carter forged a critical 78-run partnership with Jonathan van Lange that stabilized the innings and propelled the team to a competitive total of 234 runs.

    The Caribbean bowlers then delivered a spectacular performance, consistently applying pressure through disciplined line and length complemented by exceptional fielding. Shaquan Belle emerged as the standout performer, producing a devastating bowling spell that yielded six wickets for 40 runs. His relentless attack dismantled the South African batting lineup, preventing any substantial partnerships from developing and ultimately bowling out the Proteas for 179 runs.

    The victory sets up an intriguing Super 6 opening fixture against Ireland U-19, with the West Indies aiming to maintain their winning momentum as they pursue championship glory in the prestigious international tournament.