分类: sports

  • West Indies Women Name Exciting Squad for T20 Showdown with Sri Lanka in Grenada

    West Indies Women Name Exciting Squad for T20 Showdown with Sri Lanka in Grenada

    Cricket West Indies has announced a strategically selected 15-player roster for the upcoming Women’s T20 International series against Sri Lanka, scheduled from February 28 to March 3 at Grenada’s National Cricket Stadium. This three-match confrontation serves as critical preparation ahead of the ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 in the United Kingdom.

    Captain Hayley Matthews will lead a squad blending veteran experience with emerging talent. The most notable selection is 17-year-old Barbadian prodigy Eboni Brathwaite, who receives her first senior call-up following an explosive performance in the regional T20 Blaze tournament where she maintained a remarkable strike rate of 146.

    The selection panel has introduced fresh dynamics with Zaida James and Mandy Mangru joining the T20 lineup, replacing Ashmini Munisar and Shunelle Sawh from the recent ODI series against Sri Lanka. Brathwaite takes the spot of Realeanna Grimmond, signaling the team’s commitment to injecting new energy.

    Head Coach Shane Deitz emphasized the series’ significance within the broader World Cup context: “This T20 series provides invaluable preparation with the global tournament firmly in mind. Our players have maintained strong T20 performances since our last campaign, and the group is energized about the journey ahead.”

    The squad benefits from additional firepower with several players returning in excellent form from the Women’s Premier League. Deitz specifically highlighted Brathwaite’s power-hitting capabilities and the continued development of all-rounder Jahzara Claxton, whose skill set aligns perfectly with T20 demands.

    The series presents a compelling competitive dynamic with West Indies ranked sixth and Sri Lanka seventh in ICC Women’s T20 rankings. Cricket authorities have made admission free for all matches, encouraging Grenadian fans to create an electrifying home atmosphere.

    Regional supporters can follow the action live through Windies Cricket YouTube channel and Disney+ platforms, ensuring widespread accessibility for this important preparatory series.

  • World Sailing Race Management Course delivered in SVG

    World Sailing Race Management Course delivered in SVG

    St. Vincent and the Grenadines has taken a significant stride in developing its maritime sports infrastructure by hosting an official World Sailing Race Management Course – Level 1. The three-day intensive program took place from February 20-22 at the SVG Sailing Association Centre of Excellence, located at the Coconut Grove Beach Club.

    Fifteen enthusiastic participants from junior sailing clubs across Union Island, Bequia, Mayreau, and St. Vincent gathered to enhance their race management capabilities. The course also welcomed three representatives from the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Authority, who participated to gain practical expertise in preparation for the anticipated 2026 SVG Sailing Week, scheduled for March 29 to April 6.

    International sailing experts Becky Ashburn and Jeff Johnson, both renowned Olympic-level race officials from the San Diego Yacht Club, facilitated the training. Ashburn emphasized the critical importance of professional race management, noting: “What stood out here in SVG was the enthusiasm, commitment, and willingness to learn. These participants are building the skills that will allow local clubs and major regattas to be run safely, fairly, and to true international standards.”

    The curriculum blended theoretical classroom instruction with hands-on practical learning aligned with World Sailing’s global standards. Participants engaged with core competencies necessary for confidently managing club-level sailing events. Johnson explained the practical focus: “The goal of Level 1 is to teach officials the skills they can immediately use on the water. By the end of the course, participants understand not just the ‘how’, but the ‘why’ behind race management decisions.”

    This educational initiative represents part of World Sailing’s comprehensive global pathway designed to cultivate skilled race officials from grassroots to national levels. Participants universally praised the program for its practical applicability and international perspective.

    Nancy Saul-Demers from the Mayreau Junior Sailing Club shared: “This course opened my eyes to everything that goes into running a race that reflects World Sailing Association standards. I now feel much more confident in helping deliver regattas that better prepare our young sailors for higher-level competition.”

    Aina Browne of the SVG Tourism Authority highlighted the broader implications: “The training equipped local officials with the technical competencies to strengthen sailing events in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and to support the continued growth of our marine tourism sector.”

  • Record-smashing weekend for Blue Marlins

    Record-smashing weekend for Blue Marlins

    The Blue Marlins Swim Club made an extraordinary impact at the Barbados Aquatic Sports Association’s Long Course National Championships held last weekend, with a five-athlete delegation delivering exceptional performances. The team, comprising Hazen Da Briel, Belle Adams, Caghry Williams, Zane Da Briel, and Raya Adams, demonstrated remarkable competitive prowess throughout the event.

    Hazen Da Briel emerged as a standout performer, securing medals in nearly all his events with a total haul of 11 medals: 5 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze. His achievements were further elevated by breaking two Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Long Course National Records. He completed the 400m Individual Medley in 5 minutes 10.70 seconds and surpassed his own previous record in the 400m freestyle with a time of 4 minutes 29.78 seconds in the boys 15-17 age category.

    Zane Da Briel, Hazen’s younger brother, mirrored this excellence by medaling in every one of his races, collecting six silver medals. The promising swimmer, born in 2017, broke two longstanding national records – the 50m breaststroke with a time of 50.13 seconds (previously held since 2015) and the 50m backstroke record in 46.11 seconds.

    Belle Adams contributed significantly to the team’s success with three bronze medals in the 50m butterfly, 50m breaststroke, and 200m breaststroke events. Williams showcased his competitive edge by claiming gold in the 50m breaststroke and silver in the 100m breaststroke.

    The championships served as a testament to the athletes’ development, with all team members achieving personal best times that highlight their progressive improvement in competitive swimming. The Blue Marlins Swim Club continues its competitive season by participating in the Shrewsbury Aquatic Centre Invitational Swimming Championships at Ratho Mill from Thursday through Sunday.

  • CONCACAF U-20 World Cup Qualifiers : «D-1», Player List

    CONCACAF U-20 World Cup Qualifiers : «D-1», Player List

    WILLEMSTAD, CURAÇAO – Haiti’s under-20 national football team, known as the Grenadiers, has officially commenced their campaign in the CONCACAF U-20 World Cup qualifiers after arriving in the capital city of Willemstad on February 24, 2026. The squad, under the strategic guidance of Cuban head coach Raul Gonzalez Triana, is poised to compete in the regional championship scheduled from February 26 through March 4, 2026.

    The Grenadiers will initiate their tournament journey with an opening match against the Anguilla Rainbow Warriors on February 26. The selection features a 21-player roster demonstrating a blend of domestic talent and international experience. Fourteen athletes currently represent clubs within Haiti’s national league system, with thirteen hailing from first-division teams. Notably, the roster includes three players—Clifford Gene, Miguel Joseph, and Emerson Laisse—who have already secured qualification for the U-17 World Cup finals later in 2026, highlighting their exceptional development trajectory.

    The team composition showcases significant geographic diversity in player development. While the majority compete within Haiti’s academy and club system, several key players are gaining experience abroad. Four athletes are currently registered with clubs in Jamaica and the United States, including Mount Pleasant in Jamaica and Orlando City SC in the United States, providing international competitive exposure.

    Goalkeeping duties will be shared between Carlos Albertos Bre (Real Hope Academy), Guivenson Jean Philippe (Racing des Gonaïves), and Clifford Gene (Mount Pleasant, Jamaica). The defensive line features Leston Stanley Volcin, Oracio Marckidens Tanis (both ASC Haiti), along with Dieuvens Kenson Resil (Mount Pleasant, Jamaica), and Xavier Jose Belot (Miami Rush, USA).

    The midfield will be orchestrated by Ramy Fabilus (Real Hope Academy), Josue Stevenson Anglade (ASC Haiti), and John Peter Charles (Real Hope Academy). The offensive contingent includes promising talents Franco Celestin, Emerson Laisse (both Mount Pleasant, Jamaica), and Nikolai Oliver Pierre (Orlando City SC, USA).

    This tournament serves as a critical developmental platform for emerging Caribbean football talent, with teams competing for qualification to the global U-20 World Cup stage.

  • Archer, Brooks star as England seal semi-final spot

    Archer, Brooks star as England seal semi-final spot

    England secured their place in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup semifinals following a nail-biting two-wicket triumph over Pakistan at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium on Tuesday. The victory was largely orchestrated by a spectacular batting performance from captain Harry Brooks, who delivered a match-winning century under intense pressure.

    Pakistan posted a competitive total of 164-9 in their allotted 20 overs, with opener Sahibzada Farhan anchoring the innings with a solid 63 from 45 deliveries, featuring seven boundaries and two maximums. Captain Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman contributed 25 runs each to the Pakistani effort. England’s bowling attack demonstrated collective strength, with Liam Dawson emerging as the most effective bowler with figures of 3-24. Barbados-born speedster Jofra Archer made crucial breakthroughs, claiming the wickets of opener Saim Ayub and tailender Shaheen Afridi to finish with 2-32, while Jamie Overton provided additional support with 2-26.

    England’s run chase encountered early turbulence as they stumbled to 58-4, creating mounting tension within the camp. However, skipper Harry Brooks transformed the game with a magnificent 100 from just 51 balls, single-handedly steering his team toward victory. His explosive innings included ten fours and four sixes, showcasing remarkable composure and power-hitting prowess. Brooks forged two vital partnerships—first adding 45 runs with Sam Curran (16) and then combining with Will Jacks for a decisive 52-run stand that brought England within striking distance at 155-5 after 17 overs.

    Despite a late fightback from Pakistan’s bowlers, with Shaheen Afridi claiming 4-30 and Mohammad Nawaz (2-26) and Usman Tariq (2-31) taking two wickets each, England reached their target of 166-8 with five deliveries remaining. This victory marks England’s second win in the Super Eights stage, guaranteeing their progression to the semifinals with one group match still to play against New Zealand.

  • Taylor concedes top order struggles after Windies women’s series defeat

    Taylor concedes top order struggles after Windies women’s series defeat

    Veteran cricketer Stafanie Taylor has openly criticized the West Indies Women’s team for their subpar batting performance during the ongoing One-Day International series against Sri Lanka Women. Despite securing two consecutive narrow victories and clinching the series with an unassailable 2-0 lead, Taylor highlighted significant concerns within the squad’s top-order batting lineup.

    Speaking after Tuesday’s final training session ahead of Wednesday’s concluding match at National Stadium, Taylor—who alongside Jannillea Glasgow has emerged as one of the team’s most consistent batters—conceded that the batting unit had failed to meet expectations. The statistics support her assessment: in the opening encounter, West Indies were dismissed for 230 while chasing Sri Lanka’s 240/6, while in the subsequent game they managed only 194 in pursuit of a 209-run target.

    “Our batters have shown promising starts but consistently failed to convert them into match-winning performances,” Taylor stated. “Coach emphasizes repeatedly that the top five batters must capitalize on their foundations and see the game through to completion. Personally, I recognize my own shortcomings—in the first match, a misjudged run-out cut my innings short when continuity was crucial.”

    Taylor particularly praised Glasgow’s valiant effort in the second match, noting she “displayed exceptional determination but ultimately exhausted her partner support.” The early dismissals of openers created additional pressure on the middle order, requiring Taylor, Shemaine Campbelle, and Chinelle Henry to stabilize the innings.

    Looking toward Wednesday’s dead rubber finale, Taylor confirmed the team’s commitment to ending the series strongly. “Tonight we’re conducting a comprehensive team meeting to analyze our errors and identify areas for improvement,” she revealed. “While our bowlers delivered an impressive performance by restricting Sri Lanka to a modest total last game, we require a unified effort across all three disciplines—bowling, fielding, and especially batting—to achieve a conclusive victory.”

    Despite the series win, Taylor’s comments underscore a period of introspection for West Indies Women’s cricket as they seek to address batting inconsistencies before future international engagements.

  • Sonkei Invitational brengt judo weer tot leven na lange wedstrijdpauze

    Sonkei Invitational brengt judo weer tot leven na lange wedstrijdpauze

    After months without local competitions, the fourth edition of Judoclub Sonkei’s international invitational tournament has revitalized competitive judo in the region. The event featured 110 matches on a single judo mat, providing athletes with their first opportunity in months to gain competitive experience on home soil.

    This tournament arrived at a critical juncture, as the last locally organized judo competition dated back to June of the previous year. For numerous competitors, this marked their first official appearance in many months, making the event particularly significant for their athletic development.

    Regional Exchange Initiative
    The competition forms part of an ongoing exchange program between Judoclub Sonkei and French Guiana’s CSAB club. What began in 2015 as an initiative by coaches Shies Madhar and Eric Emanuel has evolved into a regional platform combining athletic development, cultural exchange, and international friendship.

    CSAB traveled to Suriname with 38 judokas, joined by competitors from Judoclub de Guyane and Judoclub Jigoro Kano. Sonkei fielded 27 competitors, while Jigoro Kano participated with a select team of seven athletes. The diverse participation underscored the tournament’s growing importance within the regional judo community.

    Beyond Competition
    According to organizers, the exchange program focuses on more than medal counts. Young judokas gain international experience, learn to handle competitive pressure, and engage with different languages and cultures. Simultaneously, family members and supporters in Suriname can closely observe their athletes’ development.

    The extended period without competitions made this edition particularly meaningful. The invitational tournament finally provided a competitive platform where judokas could measure their progress and sharpen their competitive rhythm.

    Technical Excellence on Display
    Spectators witnessed technically refined judo with multiple high-level ippons. Among girls under 15, Jade Bougeunon of Sonkei received the award for most beautiful ippon, while Gariel Soemo earned recognition among the boys.

    In the Cadets and U21 categories, Juan Swedo of Judoclub Jigoro Kano impressed with varied and technically pure judo. Among female Cadets, Seraya Sylvestre received special distinction for her performance.

    Medal Standings
    CSAB topped the overall standings with 11 gold, 14 silver, and 8 bronze medals. Sonkei followed with 5 gold, 4 silver, and 11 bronze medals. Judoclub Jigoro Kano secured 3 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze medals, while Judoclub de Guyane claimed 1 silver and 1 bronze medal.

    For Judoclub Sonkei, this tournament serves as preparation for upcoming international challenges, including CSAB’s All Female Tournament on March 7, 2026, in Cayenne and the Copa das Fronteras on May 30, 2026, in the Brazilian border town of Oiapoque.

    Through this exchange program, the club aims not only to develop competitive judokas but also to equip young people with skills that hold lasting value beyond the sport itself.

  • Grenada opens FIFA Series 2026 campaign against host nation Rwanda

    Grenada opens FIFA Series 2026 campaign against host nation Rwanda

    Grenada’s national football team is poised to make history on March 27, 2026, when they face host nation Rwanda in their inaugural FIFA Series match at the newly inaugurated Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali. This landmark event will feature President Paul Kagame of Rwanda presiding over the stadium’s official opening ceremony, elevating the occasion beyond mere competition to a significant diplomatic and sporting spectacle.

    The Group A tournament structure pairs Grenada with Rwanda, Estonia, and Kenya in a compact schedule that sees winners and losers of the opening matches facing each other on March 30. This FIFA Series initiative brings together 48 national teams across all six FIFA confederations, with Rwanda serving as one of eleven host nations during the March international window.

    Competitive dynamics present both challenge and opportunity for Grenada, currently ranked 164th in FIFA standings compared to Kenya (113th), Estonia (129th), and Rwanda (130th). Despite the ranking gap, Grenada enters the tournament with momentum from an undefeated friendly match record in 2025 that propelled them ten places upward in global rankings.

    The invitation to participate reflects Grenada Football Association’s strategic progress under President Marlon Glean’s leadership, emphasizing improved technical preparation and international engagement. Glean characterized the opportunity as “invaluable for our development” and affirmation that “Grenada is moving in the right direction, strategically, technically, and institutionally.”

    Beyond competitive considerations, the tournament offers unprecedented global broadcast exposure, enhanced player scouting opportunities, and operational experience in tournament settings. Grenada’s selection among limited Caribbean participants underscores the nation’s growing stature within global football circles.

    The GFA has issued a call for national support from Grenadians worldwide as the team prepares to represent Caribbean football on this prestigious international platform. Further match details and broadcast information will be communicated following final confirmation from FIFA and host organizations.

  • Saint Lucia suffer penalty heartbreak in Concacaf qualifier

    Saint Lucia suffer penalty heartbreak in Concacaf qualifier

    Saint Lucia’s Under-20 men’s national team suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat in their opening Group C match of the Concacaf Under-20 Men’s Qualifiers against Antigua & Barbuda. The closely contested match took place on Monday, February 23rd at the Complejo Deportivo FCRF-Plycem in San Rafael de Alajuela, Costa Rica.

    The decisive moment arrived in the 35th minute when Antigua & Barbuda’s Jamaican-based midfielder, Brandon Satchell, capitalized on a fortunate rebound. A dangerous cross from the right flank by Vaughn Jackson proved too hot to handle for Saint Lucian goalkeeper Tyrell Vidal. The ball spilled into the center of the penalty area, where Satchell was perfectly positioned to poke it home, securing the lead for the young Benna Boys.

    Antigua & Barbuda nearly doubled their advantage just before halftime. Their captain, Kayonte George, who plies his trade with Finn Holsing in Germany, unleashed a spectacular curling effort that beat the goalkeeper but agonizingly struck the far post.

    The most dramatic moment came deep into stoppage time for Saint Lucia. With merely ten seconds remaining in regulation, captain Eymani Butcher was brought down by a clumsy challenge from Ivan Grant inside the penalty area, earning a crucial spot-kick. However, substitute Kallis Mondesir’s subsequent penalty attempt sailed high over the crossbar, denying the Piton Boyz a last-gasp equalizer. The final whistle confirmed a heartbreaking start to the campaign for Saint Lucia.

    The team will look to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next Group C fixture against Dominica scheduled for Friday.

  • Jamaica makes three changes to U-20 starting team against TCI

    Jamaica makes three changes to U-20 starting team against TCI

    WILLEMSTAD, Curaçao — Jamaica’s Under-20 national team has implemented strategic roster adjustments ahead of their pivotal CONCACAF Qualifiers encounter against the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI) scheduled for Wednesday at Stadion Rignaal ‘Jean’ Francisca. This Group B clash features two squads entering with victorious opening performances, setting the stage for a high-stakes confrontation.

    The Jamaican coaching staff has integrated three new starters into their first eleven following Monday’s decisive 3-0 victory over Bonaire. The revised lineup introduces Marlon Van De Wetering from Dutch club FC Eindhoven, Claver Nugent representing Mt Pleasant FA, and Raequan Campbell-Dennis from Toronto FC Academy. Campbell-Dennis particularly proved his worth by coming off the bench to contribute a goal in the previous match.

    These changes come as the team adapts to the compulsory absence of Jamoy Dennis, who received a red card after entering as a second-half substitute during Monday’s contest. His suspension forces tactical reconsideration for the coaching personnel.

    Jamaica’s starting formation will feature: Joshua Grant as goalkeeper, supported by defenders Marlon Van De Wetering, Deshawn Talbert, Cai McLean, and Owen Jumpp. The midfield will be orchestrated by Jahmarie Nolan, Jabarie Howell, and Sean Leighton, while the offensive charge will be led by Raequan Campbell-Dennis, Brandon Bent, and Claver Nugent.

    Their opponents, the Turks and Caicos Islands, earned their place in this competitive matchup through a narrow 2-1 triumph against the Cayman Islands, demonstrating they cannot be underestimated. Wednesday’s game will ultimately determine group leadership and critical positioning for advancement in the tournament.