分类： sports

Dexter Ali, a 55-year-old endurance athlete, recently completed a grueling 130-kilometer run across Trinidad, from Galeota to Chaguaramas, in an impressive 20 hours and 36 minutes. The journey, which began on November 1 at 5:50 PM, tested Ali’s physical and mental limits, particularly during the challenging Manzanilla stretch, where he battled strong winds and fatigue. Despite moments of doubt and physical pain, Ali persevered, fueled by the unwavering support of his family, friends, and coach, Derrick Simon. His wife, Leah-Marie Ali, joined him for the final 30 kilometers, while his children and other supporters provided encouragement along the way. Ali’s success was also attributed to a well-organized support crew, which supplied essentials like water, Gatorade, and food, as well as Simon’s rigorous nine-month training program. However, the extreme effort took its toll, with Ali spending the night in the hospital for fluid replenishment. His coach emphasized that such an endeavor requires years of preparation and should not be attempted lightly. Ali, a veteran of two ironman events, remains passionate about pushing his limits, though his family hopes he will retire from such extreme challenges.

San Juan North Secondary School’s hopes of avoiding relegation in the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL) premier division took a hit after a dramatic late equalizer from Signal Hill Secondary on November 4. The match, held at San Juan North’s home ground in Bourg Mulatresse, ended in a 1-1 draw, leaving San Juan perilously close to the relegation zone. San Juan had taken the lead in the 28th minute through Malique Marrast and seemed poised to secure a crucial victory. However, Immanuel Wright’s stoppage-time goal for Signal Hill dashed their hopes, leaving San Juan just one point above the bottom three. With the season nearing its conclusion, the bottom three teams will be demoted to the championship division. Signal Hill, currently tenth in the standings, still have seven matches remaining and could climb into the top five with a strong finish. The season has been challenging for Signal Hill, with many of their matches postponed due to transportation issues between Trinidad and Tobago. The standings show St Benedict’s leading the table with 33 points, while San Juan North languishes in 13th place with only 10 points.

The Trinidad and Tobago Red Force cricket team is poised to make history as they prepare to compete in the Bolivarian Games for the first time later this month in Peru. Led by captain Vikash Mohan and vice-captain Andrew Rambaran, the team will participate in the T20 cricket competition, marking a significant milestone for the sport in the region. Team manager Omar Khan emphasized the importance of this opportunity, describing it as both a proud moment and a golden chance to represent Trinidad and Tobago on the international stage. Khan also highlighted the potential long-term benefits, suggesting that this event could pave the way for future opportunities, including potential Olympic qualification when cricket returns to the Games in Los Angeles. The Bolivarian Games will feature a T20 format, with teams from the West Indies, including Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, and Anguilla, joining host nation Peru and possibly one of Argentina or Brazil. Khan noted the growing global interest in cricket, fueled by the rise of franchise leagues worldwide, which has created more opportunities for young players to showcase their talents. The Red Force squad, which includes head coach Earnil Ryan and assistant coaches Keston Harripesad and Adrian Ali, is set to depart for Peru on November 19 or 20. The team is eager to perform, knowing that their efforts could lay the foundation for the nation’s and the region’s future involvement on an Olympic stage.

The Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation Senior 2025 tournament concluded on November 4 at the National Racquet Centre in Tacarigua, Trinidad and Tobago, with thrilling matches and unexpected turns. In the men’s singles final, Barbadian Kennie King staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Trinidad and Tobago’s Vance Juteram. Juteram initially took the first set 21-13, but King rallied to secure the next two sets 21-16 and 21-13, claiming the title. Despite the loss, Juteram expressed satisfaction with his performance, stating, ‘Very, very happy. Could not ask for anything better.’

In the women’s singles final, Trinidad and Tobago’s Amara Urquhart emerged victorious after her opponent, Guyanese Priyanna Ramdhani, suffered a knee injury. Ramdhani had won the first set 21-14 and was leading 13-11 in the second when the injury occurred, forcing her to withdraw. This unfortunate incident also led to the cancellation of the women’s doubles final, where Ramdhani was set to partner with Trinidad and Tobago’s Chequeda De Boulet against Nekeisha Blake and Barbadian Sabrina Scott.

King continued his winning streak by teaming up with Shae Martin to clinch the men’s doubles title against Jamaica’s Kenneth Anglin and Matthew Yee Grant. The Barbadian duo triumphed in a grueling first set 30-28, followed by a 21-18 victory in the second. Meanwhile, the mixed doubles final saw Jamaica’s Anglin and Breanna Bisnott defeat Trinidad and Tobago’s Travis Sinanan and De Boulet 21-15, 21-17.

The tournament sets the stage for the TT International 2025 Badminton tournament, which begins on November 5 at the same venue, featuring teams from across the Caribbean.