Trinidad and Tobago’s rising table tennis star, Chloe Fraser, showcased her talent and determination at the World Table Tennis Youth Contender in Podgorica, Montenegro, before bowing out on October 16. Fraser’s journey in the Under-17 girls’ singles division came to an end in the round of 16 on October 14, followed by her elimination in the Under-19 singles round of 32. Despite her early exits, Fraser’s performances were commendable against some of the world’s most promising young players. Competing at the Verde Complex, Fraser began her campaign with a dominant 11-4, 11-3, 11-4 victory over Montenegro’s Katarina Franeta in Group Nine. She continued her strong form by defeating India’s Naisha Rewaskar 3-1 (11-8, 7-11, 11-8, 13-11) in her final group match. In the round of 32, Fraser displayed resilience with an 11-7, 11-5, 11-3 win over Israel’s Polina Ternovykh. However, her run was halted by Japan’s Yumiko Katori, who secured a straight-sets victory (11-6, 11-5, 11-6) in the round of 16. Undeterred, Fraser transitioned to the more challenging Under-19 singles division, where she secured one win out of three matches. After a tough opening loss to Japan’s Aoba Takahashi (7-11, 4-11, 7-11), Fraser bounced back with a commanding 11-3, 11-4, 11-1 win over Serbia’s Isra Milosavljevic. In the round of 32, Fraser started strong with an 11-5 first-set win against Spain’s Martina Sans, but Sans rallied to claim the match 11-4, 11-8, 11-4. Fraser’s participation in the tournament highlighted her potential and fighting spirit on the international stage.
分类： sports
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Makaira Wallace is TT’s first female sprinter to seal Track Worlds debut
Trinidad and Tobago’s emerging sprint cyclist, Makaira Wallace, is set to make history as the first female sprint cyclist from her nation to compete at the 2025 UCI Track Cycling World Championships in Santiago, Chile, from October 22–26. Wallace, a product of the JLD Cycling Academy, has already broken barriers by becoming the first female sprint cyclist from Trinidad and Tobago to participate in a UCI Track World Cup earlier this year. At the Peñalolén Velodrome, she will compete in the sprint, keirin, and kilo time trial events, marking a significant milestone for women’s cycling in her country. Wallace described her qualification as surreal and expressed her excitement and determination to perform at her best. She has been intensively training in Canada, focusing on improving her speed and endurance. Wallace’s mother, Cori, has been a pillar of support, closely monitoring her progress and rankings. Wallace secured her spot through the UCI women elite sprint nation ranking system, finishing among the top 30 sprint nations globally, with Trinidad and Tobago ranked 21st. Joining her in Chile is her coach and former Olympian Njisane Phillip, who has come out of retirement to compete in the sprint and keirin events. Phillip, currently ranked 22nd in the UCI men’s elite sprint ranking, praised Wallace’s achievement as a breakthrough for women’s cycling in Trinidad and Tobago, highlighting the untapped potential within the local cycling system. Both athletes expressed gratitude to their sponsors, Pharmaco, for their support in their World Championships campaign.
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Grassroots cricket takes centre stage — First-ever U13 tournament launched
The Saint Lucia National Cricket Association (SLNCA), in collaboration with the Laborie Credit Union, has unveiled a pioneering initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of cricketers. The SLNCA/Laborie Credit Union Under-13 Grassroots Tournament, a first-of-its-kind event, will bring together young athletes from 16 districts across the island for weekend softball cricket matches. This program emphasizes inclusivity, featuring both boys and girls, and aims to foster a robust cricket culture from the ground up. The tournament officially launched on October 14, with senior district teams providing mentorship and support to the young participants. Nerville Florence, SLNCA’s second vice president and head of youth cricket, highlighted that grassroots development remains the association’s top priority. He emphasized the extensive planning and dedication behind the initiative, calling it the ‘baby of the SLNCA.’ SLNCA President Wayne Auguste, who conceptualized the tournament, shared his personal connection to grassroots cricket, citing its transformative impact on his life and that of his son, Ackeem Auguste, a recent West Indies senior team selection. Auguste stressed the importance of engaging young talent early, stating that a strong grassroots system is vital for the sport’s future. The Laborie Cooperative Credit Union, the tournament’s title sponsor, reaffirmed its commitment to cricket development and community unity. President Augustin Dominique expressed pride in supporting a program that not only develops athletic talent but also strengthens communal bonds. The tournament is set to commence on October 18, with communities encouraged to rally behind their budding cricket stars.
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West Indies show grit in defeat, says Captain Chase
West Indies Test captain Roston Chase has lauded his team for their valiant effort in the second Test against India, even though they suffered a defeat and lost the two-match series. The regional team managed to extend the game into the fifth day before India secured a seven-wicket victory on Tuesday, completing a 2-0 series sweep. Despite a dismal first innings that forced the West Indies to follow on, opener John Campbell notched his maiden Test century, and Shai Hope ended an eight-year wait for a Test hundred, propelling the team to a commendable 390 in their second innings. Although this marked the Windies’ sixth loss in seven Test matches this year, Chase expressed optimism about the team’s fighting spirit, especially after their innings and 140-run defeat in the first Test. ‘This is the kind of fight I wanted to see from us. It’s a stepping stone and a building block for us to improve as a Test-playing nation,’ Chase stated during a post-match press conference. He emphasized the importance of maintaining this positive momentum, even in defeat, to extract valuable lessons from each game. However, Chase acknowledged that the team’s batting remains a critical area for improvement. ‘Our batting has let us down in the last two series. We have a strong bowling attack despite injuries, but we need to post better first-innings totals to compete in the Test Championship,’ he added. Looking ahead, Chase believes that facing top-tier teams like Australia and India provides essential preparation for upcoming series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan in 2026. ‘These tough matches are part of our growth. If we learn from these experiences, we can be more competitive against teams closer to our ranking,’ he concluded.
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Column: Plaatsing nog mogelijk!
Suriname has emerged as a strong contender in the latest FIFA window, securing two draws and now sharing the top spot with Panama due to a superior goal difference. Despite Natio’s commendable performances, the team managed to secure only two points from these matches. While Suriname can take pride in these results, especially considering the numerous opportunities their opponents had in the away game, it is evident that the attack line requires reinforcement. Had Natio capitalized on their chances in the home game, they could have clinched a victory. The match against Panama was a different story, where Suriname could have easily faced defeat if their opponents had converted their opportunities. This underscores the urgent need for the management to recruit prolific strikers to ensure that created chances are effectively converted into goals. It is rare for teams to capitalize on every opportunity, but it is equally uncommon to squander as many chances as Suriname did. While preventing the opponent from scoring is not always possible, it is crucial to ensure that more goals are scored when opportunities arise. This is the key to securing three points, which is ultimately what matters. Unfortunately, goal-scoring remains a challenge even for professional teams. If Suriname aims to qualify for the World Cup, the attack line must perform better, as no matter how cohesive the teamwork is, without goals, victories cannot be achieved. With two matches remaining, Suriname still has a chance to qualify for the World Cup. However, converting these matches into wins and scoring more goals is crucial, especially since Panama has the same number of points, and goal difference could be decisive. In top-tier sports, there is no room for complacency or what is locally referred to as ‘tjepotie.’ Players are recruited to perform specific roles, and if they repeatedly fail to deliver, they must make way for others who are in better form. Natio is now stronger than ever, and opponents are aware of this, as evidenced by the tactics employed to negatively impact the team’s performance, such as loud music played near the hotel at night or discriminatory actions. It is high time that Natio’s growth is reflected in the final standings, as the points are essential for qualification. Lessons must be learned from the mistakes made in the last two matches without assigning blame. The limited points earned are a collective responsibility and must be addressed as such. Playing World Cup qualifiers is a new experience for all involved, and mistakes are inevitable. The key is to learn from these mistakes and find solutions collectively. In the final phase of the group matches, Natio can no longer afford any missteps. The focus must remain unwavering: World Cup participation. Qualification is still within reach!
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GFA President appointed to FIFA Technical Development Committee
Marlon Glean, President of the Grenada Football Association (GFA), has been appointed to the FIFA Technical Development Committee for the 2025–2029 term. This decision, ratified by the FIFA Council in October 2025, underscores Glean’s exceptional contributions to international football governance and highlights Grenada’s growing prominence in the global football arena. The appointment aligns with FIFA’s statutes and governance regulations, further solidifying Glean’s role as a leading advocate for football reform, innovation, and equitable development, particularly in resource-limited yet talent-rich regions like the Caribbean. Glean also serves on Concacaf’s Football Development Committee, where he influences regional strategies for advancing the sport across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
In a statement, Glean expressed his honor in assuming this responsibility, emphasizing the committee’s pivotal role in shaping global football development strategies. He pledged to ensure that the perspectives and aspirations of smaller nations, including Grenada, are prominently represented in these discussions.
Glean’s appointment is a significant milestone for Grenada and the Caribbean region. The FIFA Technical Development Committee plays a crucial role in guiding the evolution of football through training methodologies, grassroots initiatives, elite youth development, and coaching education. Glean’s involvement will create a direct link between Grenada’s football ecosystem and FIFA’s strategic frameworks, ensuring the nation’s visibility and influence in global technical development decisions.
This development not only elevates Grenada’s credibility on the international football stage but also aligns with the GFA’s broader objectives. These include expanding grassroots programs, accelerating the growth of women’s football, enhancing technical capacity in coaching and officiating, and unlocking investments in local infrastructure and talent.
Glean’s appointment coincides with his increasing presence on the global football development circuit. He has recently participated in the World Football Summit in Hong Kong and is scheduled to speak at Soccerex Miami, the Africa Football Business Summit in Kenya, and the Sports Investment Forum in Saudi Arabia in May 2026. These engagements position Grenada as a thought leader in advocating for resilience, equity, and innovation in football’s future.
Glean, a former national team player, legal professional, and international development executive, brings over two decades of expertise in sports law, compliance, and governance to the committee. Prior to his GFA presidency, he served as FIFA’s Regional Development Manager for the Caribbean, overseeing football development in 22 nations.
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61 qualify for Carifta Artistic Gymnastics Champs
A total of 61 gymnasts have earned the honor of representing Trinidad and Tobago at the upcoming second Carifta Artistic Gymnastics Championships, scheduled to take place from December 6 to 7 at the National Cycling Centre in Balmain, Couva. The selection process was rigorous, with athletes competing in the Carifta trials held on October 11 and 12 at the National Cycling Velodrome in Couva. The trials were overseen by four international judges from the Pan American region, led by head judge Mabel Moreno from Colombia, ensuring a fair and transparent selection process. Among the standout qualifiers are Sidney Charles and Dailia Burke from Tots & Tumblers, who will compete in the FIG senior elite category for athletes aged 16 and over. Additionally, Zariah Dopwell-Gittens, Yliana-Rose Sancho, and Asia Ali from Olympic Wolfpack, along with Kaydence Fortune from Tots & Tumblers, will vie for honors in the PAGU 1 division for gymnasts aged nine to 11. The trials saw participation from 172 athletes across 12 local clubs, with eight clubs securing spots on the national team. The TT Gymnastics Federation emphasized the transparency of the selection process, with results announced immediately after each session and no disputes raised. The qualifying gymnasts achieved the highest all-around scores and met the minimum score criteria set prior to the trials. The event promises to showcase the talent and dedication of Trinidad and Tobago’s gymnasts on a regional stage.
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Aquaholics, Bluebloods make splash at Dragon Boat Festival
The Chinese Arrival Dragon Boat Festival, held at the Chaguaramas Boardwalk on October 11 and 12, witnessed thrilling performances from teams Aquaholics and Bluebloods. Over the two-day event, numerous races were conducted across various distances, including 200m, 500m, and 1,000m, alongside traditional dragon dances. Aquaholics showcased their prowess by securing victories in the premier open 200m, premier mixed 200m, and premier women’s 200m events. In the premier open race, they narrowly edged out Bluebloods with a time of 53.35 seconds, while Bluebloods clocked 55.57 seconds. Bluebloods, however, excelled in the Under-16 open standard race and the Under-16 200m small event. Both teams also triumphed in the 1,000m events. Aquaholics led the premium mixed race with a time of 7:01.04, while Bluebloods dominated the Under-21 open category, finishing in 6:00.48. Other notable winners included St Joseph’s Convent’s Blue Dragons in the Under-21 women’s race and Sea Serpents in the 500m Under-21 women’s event. The festival also featured an exhibition race for beginners and non-competitive athletes, where Chinese Exhibition emerged victorious.
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Cristiano Ronaldo tops Forbes’ highest-paid footballers list again
PARIS, France (AFP)—Cristiano Ronaldo, the legendary Portuguese footballer, has once again claimed the top spot on Forbes’ list of the highest-paid footballers for the 2025-26 season. This marks the sixth time in the past decade that Ronaldo has led the rankings, solidifying his status as one of the sport’s most lucrative figures. The announcement follows closely on the heels of Bloomberg’s revelation that the 40-year-old has become football’s first billionaire. Ronaldo, who plays for Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, is estimated to earn a staggering $280 million, combining both on-field and off-field earnings. This figure more than doubles that of his closest rival, Lionel Messi, who is projected to earn $130 million, primarily from off-field ventures rather than his on-field contributions to Inter Miami in the United States. The list also features French football icon Karim Benzema, who earns $104 million annually with Saudi club Al Ittihad, and Senegalese forward Sadio Mane, Ronaldo’s teammate at Al Nassr, who takes the eighth spot with an estimated $54 million. Notably, the number of Saudi-based players in the top 10 has decreased by one compared to the previous year, following Brazilian star Neymar’s departure from Al Hilal to return to his childhood club, Santos in Sao Paulo. Neymar, who was third on the list last season with $110 million, now earns a modest $38 million, largely from off-field contracts. Despite the financial might of the English Premier League, which spent a record £2.6 billion ($3.5 billion) on transfers during the summer window, only two players from the league feature in the top 10: Manchester City’s Erling Haaland in fifth place and Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah in seventh. Spain’s La Liga, however, boasts the most representatives in the top 10, including three Real Madrid players—Kylian Mbappe (fourth), Vinicius Jr (sixth), and Jude Bellingham (ninth)—alongside Barcelona’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal, who rounds out the list in tenth place with $43 million. Forbes highlighted that the combined earnings of the world’s ten highest-paid footballers for the 2025-26 season are estimated at a whopping $945 million.
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SQUAD GOALS
Jamaica’s national senior men’s football team, the Reggae Boyz, are on the brink of securing a spot in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, following a series of impressive performances in the Concacaf World Cup Qualifiers. Head Coach Steve McClaren expressed his confidence in the squad, which he believes has finally come together as a cohesive unit. The team currently leads Group B after a commanding 4-0 victory over Bermuda and a favorable 1-1 draw between Curacao and Trinidad and Tobago. This puts Jamaica in a strong position with nine points, ahead of Curacao with eight, Trinidad with five, and Bermuda at the bottom with zero points. McClaren highlighted the impact of key players such as Bobby Reid, Shamar Nicholson, and Dujuan Richards, who all contributed to the win against Bermuda. The return of midfielders Isaac Hayden and Kasey Palmer, who missed the previous game due to suspension, was also pivotal. McClaren praised their performances, particularly Palmer’s work rate and Hayden’s stability in the midfield. Since taking charge in July 2024, McClaren has made several adjustments to the squad, with 11 new players compared to the team from a year ago. He emphasized the importance of trust and competition within the squad, which has seen significant improvement over the past year. With two crucial matches remaining—against Trinidad on November 13 and Curacao on November 18—McClaren remains cautious but optimistic. He stressed the need for players to stay fit and healthy, as the team aims to secure their place in the World Cup. The overseas contingent of the Reggae Boyz and technical staff departed Jamaica on Wednesday and are expected to return to Kingston on November 10, ready for the final push towards qualification.