Azaad Mohammed-Khan, a revered educator and football administrator, remains in stable condition as he continues to fight a severe neuromuscular respiratory illness. Hospitalized since August, Mohammed-Khan, known for his extensive contributions to Malick Secondary School, the Secondary Schools Football League (SSFL), the Trinidad and Tobago Football Association (TTFA), and San Juan Jabloteh Football Club, fell ill on 31 August. Initially appearing as a mild cold, his condition rapidly deteriorated, necessitating emergency medical intervention. His daughter, Jamila Mohammed-Khan, expressed shock at the sudden diagnosis, stating, ‘It was overwhelming because it came out of nowhere. He is a very active person.’ Following emergency tests, doctors identified a severe neuromuscular respiratory condition, requiring ventilator support and a prolonged stay in the High Dependency and Intensive Care Units at the Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex. Recently transferred to Arima Hospital ICU, Mohammed-Khan has shown signs of improvement, with a device on his tracheostomy tube enabling faint speech. ‘He can’t speak normally. We can hear him but he could not speak at all for two and a half months,’ Jamila noted. Despite being bedridden and limited in movement, his family remains hopeful, focusing on securing support for his extensive rehabilitation needs, including 24-hour nursing care, respiratory and physiotherapy, specialized nutrition, and critical home equipment. The family has received assistance from friends, former colleagues, and the football community, including the TTFA and Malick Secondary School. Jamila emphasized the urgency of support, stating, ‘He has spent his life giving to others, and now he needs our help.’ The family aims to secure urgent financial assistance by 5 December to cover immediate medical expenses. Contributions can be made to Jamila Mohammed-Khan’s Republic Bank Limited account (Savings Account Number: 560008986431).
分类： sports
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Cooper slams half-century on Red Force Super50 debut
In a thrilling display of cricketing prowess, Trinidad and Tobago Red Force opener Cephas Cooper marked his debut in the CG United Super50 Cup with a stellar performance, scoring a maiden half-century of 72 runs off 78 balls. The match, held at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy in Tarouba on November 21, saw Cooper’s efforts complemented by veteran Jason Mohammed’s impressive 87 runs, guiding the hosts to a respectable total of 256/8 in their allotted overs. Cooper’s innings, adorned with 11 boundaries, was a testament to his composure and skill under pressure. Despite early setbacks, including the dismissals of Kjorn Ottley and Joshua Da Silva, Cooper and Mohammed forged a crucial 62-run partnership, stabilizing the innings. The Red Force’s late surge, fueled by contributions from Navin Bidaisee and Joshua James, ensured a competitive total. Jamaica Scorpions, in reply, were 20/1 at the close of play, with Kirk McKenzie and Romaine Morris at the crease. Meanwhile, Barbados Pride secured their first win of the tournament with a commanding seven-wicket victory over Leeward Islands Hurricanes, thanks to standout performances from Akeem Jordan and Joshua Bishop. The match between Guyana Harpy Eagles and Windward Islands Volcanoes was abandoned due to a wet outfield, further highlighting the unpredictable nature of the tournament.
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World javelin champ Keshorn Walcott: My career all down to science
Keshorn Walcott, the world javelin champion, recently shared the secrets of his enduring success in the sport at the World Javelin Conference in Kuortane, Finland. Walcott, who first rose to fame by winning Olympic gold in 2012 at just 19 years old, clinched his first World Athletics Championships gold medal earlier this year, 13 years after his Olympic triumph. His presentation, titled ‘Long-Term Training Methods: From Olympic Gold to World Champion,’ delved into the scientific approach that has sustained his career through its highs and lows. Walcott emphasized the transition from instinct-based training to a structured, science-driven regimen, particularly under the guidance of his new coach, Klaus Bartoniezt. Together, they focused on biomechanics, especially the role of the block leg in maximizing throwing distance. Walcott also participated in a practical session with Finnish massage therapist Pentti Niemi, demonstrating shoulder preparation techniques. The conference provided a platform for Walcott to reflect on his journey, from his early days of guesswork to his current, methodical approach. The event was well-received, with coaches and administrators praising the insights shared. Walcott described the experience as energizing and a full-circle reflection on his career, highlighting the changes that have allowed him to remain competitive at the highest level for over a decade.
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Barbados to host Trinidad and Tobago for Concacaf W Qualifier
The Lady Tridents of Barbados are set to face Trinidad and Tobago in a pivotal match of the 2025/26 Concacaf W Qualifiers on Monday, December 1, at the Kensington Oval. Head Coach Kerry Trotman has passionately called on fans to rally behind the team, emphasizing the unique thrill of playing on home soil. “Representing your nation in front of a supportive home crowd is an unparalleled experience,” Trotman remarked. “I urge all Bajans to come out and show their unwavering support, especially during this patriotic weekend.” She added that the team’s preparations are progressing smoothly, with the final squad selection underway, ensuring the players are ready to take on Trinidad with pride. BFA President Randy Harris expressed his enthusiasm for hosting an international women’s football match in Barbados, highlighting the association’s dedication to advancing women’s football. “Women’s football is gaining global momentum, and the BFA is fully aligned with FIFA’s vision to unlock its full potential and accelerate its growth worldwide,” Harris stated. “We remain committed to strengthening all facets of the women’s game locally, making it a top priority.” The Lady Tridents are placed in Group F of the Concacaf W Qualifiers, alongside Trinidad and Tobago, El Salvador, and Honduras. The upcoming rounds of matches are scheduled for February (vs. El Salvador) and April (vs. Honduras) during the FIFA Women’s International Match Windows in 2025. The six group winners will secure a spot in the 2026 Concacaf W Championship, which serves as the qualifier for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympics. Admission to the match is free, encouraging widespread attendance and support for the Lady Tridents.
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Roach recall key to West Indies’ hopes, says Sammy
West Indies head coach Daren Sammy has expressed strong confidence in the inclusion of veteran fast bowler Kemar Roach for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand, asserting that his presence will significantly enhance the team’s competitiveness. Roach’s selection comes at a crucial time, as the West Indies grapple with injuries to key fast bowlers Alzarri Joseph, Shamar Joseph, Ramon Simmonds, and Jediah Blades. The 37-year-old Barbadian, who recently participated in a High-Performance camp organized by Cricket West Indies (CWI), is set to spearhead the bowling attack alongside Jayden Seales. Roach’s career appeared to be winding down after he was omitted from the Test squads against Australia and India earlier this year. However, his last appearance for the Windies in January’s drawn series against Pakistan showcased his enduring skill. Sammy highlighted Roach’s impressive track record against New Zealand, where he has claimed 36 of his 284 Test wickets, emphasizing that his experience and discipline will be pivotal in challenging the fifth-ranked Kiwis. The coach also hinted that a strong performance by Roach could complicate future selection decisions, especially with Alzarri and Shamar expected to return next year. Sammy expressed optimism about the depth of West Indies’ fast bowling resources, envisioning a scenario where multiple performers, including Roach, could elevate the team’s prospects in upcoming series against Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
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Shields earns maiden call-up as WI gear up for NZ tests
The West Indies cricket team has introduced fresh talent to its 15-member Test squad for the upcoming three-match series against New Zealand, commencing next month. Ojay Shields, a promising Jamaican fast bowler, has received his maiden call-up, stepping in to fill the void left by injured frontline pacers Alzarri Joseph and Shamar Joseph. Shields, who has claimed 34 wickets in 16 first-class matches, will join seasoned campaigner Kemar Roach and Jayden Seales to form a relatively inexperienced pace attack. Additionally, middle-order batsman Kavem Hodge has been recalled to the squad, bringing his experience of 11 Tests and 556 runs to the table. The team, which assembled in New Zealand on November 20, will benefit from a two-day warm-up match against a New Zealand XI in Lincoln, Christchurch, to acclimatize to local conditions. Miles Bascombe, CWI’s Director of Cricket, emphasized the meticulous preparation undertaken for this challenging tour, including a high-performance camp in Antigua designed to simulate New Zealand’s pace-friendly pitches. The series, part of the 2025-2027 ICC World Test Championship, marks the West Indies’ final fixture for 2025. The squad, led by Roston Chase, is supported by a comprehensive team management unit, including head coach Daren Sammy and a host of specialized coaches and support staff. The tour schedule includes warm-up matches and three Tests across Christchurch, Wellington, and Mount Maunganui, promising an exciting contest between the two cricketing nations.
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Didier, Marcel to represent Saint Lucia at World Boxing Champs in Dubai
Saint Lucia’s elite boxers, John Didier and Kyle Marcel, have been selected to represent their nation at the 2025 International Boxing Association (IBA) Men’s World Boxing Championships. The prestigious event, scheduled for December 2-13 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, will feature a staggering total prize pool of USD$8.32 million, with winners earning $300,000 and fifth-place finishers taking home $10,000. The announcement was made by the Saint Lucia Boxing Association (SLBA), which hailed this as a landmark achievement for the country, placing it on one of the most celebrated stages in global boxing. The championships will be held at the Dubai Tennis Stadium and are part of the inaugural IBA ‘Festival of Boxing,’ a 12-day celebration of the sport. The SLBA attributed this opportunity to Saint Lucia’s unwavering loyalty to the IBA and its active role in promoting boxing across the Caribbean and within the Americas Boxing Confederation (AMBC). Despite the IBA’s controversial status—having been stripped of recognition by the International Olympic Committee in 2023 due to corruption and financial transparency issues—Saint Lucia has remained a committed member. In contrast, nations like Barbados and Grenada have shifted allegiance to the rival World Boxing organization to secure Olympic pathways for their athletes. The SLBA emphasized that the inclusion of Didier and Marcel underscores the benefits of consistent support, strategic development, and international collaboration. Both athletes recently showcased their prowess at the Open International Boxing Tournament in Guadeloupe, with Didier securing gold and Marcel earning silver. The 2025 championships are anticipated to draw top-tier boxers and global audiences, providing Didier and Marcel with a unique platform to demonstrate their skills and proudly represent Saint Lucia.
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And that’s a wrap! Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ 2025 ignites Guyana with thrilling finale
The National Gymnasium in Georgetown witnessed an electrifying conclusion to the Republic Bank ‘Five for Fun’ Cricket Programme on November 15, 2025, as St Lawrence Primary from Essequibo emerged victorious in a fiercely contested national championship. The indoor venue, necessitated by unseasonal rains, failed to dampen the spirits as young athletes delivered a spectacular display of skill and sportsmanship.
This grassroots initiative, now in its third year of operation in Guyana, has evolved into a significant developmental platform for youth cricket. The 2025 edition engaged 75 primary schools across all three counties—Demerara, Berbice, and Essequibo—providing hundreds of children with exposure to cricket fundamentals through an inclusive, fast-paced format emphasizing participation and enjoyment.
The championship finale featured round-robin competition between county champions: St Lawrence Primary (Essequibo), Massiah Primary (Berbice), and Supply Primary (Demerara). After intense competition, St Lawrence prevailed over a determined Massiah Primary team to claim the national title.
Tournament accolades were distributed among standout performers: Tianna Steele of St Lawrence secured both Best Batter and Tournament Most Valuable Player honors. Susanie Turnail (Massiah Primary) received Best Bowler recognition, while Avidesh Pitam (Massiah Primary) earned Best Fielder distinction. The Spirit of the Game award was presented to Massiah Primary for exemplary sportsmanship.
Senior officials highlighted the program’s significance in national sports development. Ronald Williams, Secretary of the Guyana Cricket Board, emphasized the partnership between Cricket West Indies and Republic Bank creates “a pathway for young cricketers to develop skills progressively from tender ages through structured cricket programs.”
Marti De Souza, Deputy Chief Education Officer, connected the tournament to President Ali’s vision for holistic student development, noting the alignment with goals for creating “well-rounded pupils who are healthy and active.”
The Honourable Steven Jacobs, Minister within the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, challenged organizers to expand the program’s reach, urging expansion “into the hinterland to discover talented athletes” and increase participation beyond the current 75 schools.
Republic Bank representatives reaffirmed their commitment to the initiative. Jonelle Dummett, Manager of Marketing and Communications, stated: “Our goal is to spark curiosity, build confidence and develop skills that can turn today’s young enthusiasts into tomorrow’s cricket legends.”
KJ Singh, Cricket West Indies Senior Project Officer, confirmed the organization’s dedication to working with stakeholders to “expand our reach to more communities and schools annually” as the program looks toward the 2026 season.
Guyana’s finale marked the conclusion of the 2025 ‘Five for Fun’ Programme across the Caribbean, following successful tournaments in St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Kitts & Nevis, and Trinidad & Tobago.
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Change of route for Run Barbados Race events
The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI), the organizing body behind the highly anticipated 2025 Run Barbados Marathon and Wellness Weekend, has unveiled significant changes to the race routes for the event scheduled from December 5 to 7. Due to ongoing road construction along the Ermie Bourne Highway, the starting points for the 5K Run & Walk, 10K Run, Half Marathon, and Marathon have been relocated from Barclays Park to the Bay Street Esplanade in St. Michael. The popular Fun Mile, however, will remain unaffected and will continue to be held at the Garrison Savannah as originally planned. Kamal Springer, Manager of Sports at BTMI, emphasized that the decision to alter the routes was made after thorough consideration of the logistical challenges posed by the roadworks and extensive consultations with relevant authorities. Springer assured participants and stakeholders that the event would still deliver an exceptional experience, stating, ‘Run Barbados Marathon and Wellness Weekend remains committed to providing a memorable experience for all involved. While this change may require some adjustment, it ensures the event’s smooth execution and maintains the high quality of the experience for participants, volunteers, and spectators.’ The Run Barbados series, which initially featured only the Bridgetown 10K and the Marathon, has a long-standing tradition of starting and finishing the 10K race at the scenic Bay Street Esplanade. BTMI encourages all runners and spectators to join in what promises to be a remarkable weekend of fitness and wellness.
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Voetbal wordt leermiddel: Football for Schools van start
FIFA’s global Football for Schools initiative has officially expanded to Suriname, aiming to harness the power of football to foster not only athletic development but also essential social and life skills among young people. The program seeks to support schools in systematically integrating sports to promote personal growth, healthy behaviors, and active citizenship. By teaching students skills such as self-confidence, critical thinking, decision-making, teamwork, and respect, the initiative aligns with the goals of Suriname’s Ministry of Youth Development and Sports (JOS), which views sports as a vital tool for comprehensive youth development. Jason Menso, Deputy Director of Training, Information, and Sports Development at JOS, emphasized the strategic potential of football in education. ‘Football is accessible and immensely popular. It can be strategically used to empower young people, which is precisely what Football for Schools aims to achieve: developing life experiences and competencies through sport,’ he stated. The program focuses on equal opportunities for all youth, including girls, and encourages talent development and societal participation. It also contributes to social cohesion and healthier lifestyles within communities. ‘By placing schools at the center, this program makes sports widely accessible and leverages them as a powerful tool for positive youth development,’ Menso added. A two-day training session for physical education teachers recently commenced at the Owru Cul Sports Complex, preparing them to implement Football for Schools in various schools across Suriname. The training familiarizes teachers with the program’s methodology, practical approaches, and underlying values, enabling them to effectively guide students. According to FIFA, international research demonstrates that Football for Schools helps countries address social and economic challenges through sport, in alignment with sustainable development goals. In Suriname, the program is being executed by the Surinamese Football Association (SVB) in collaboration with FIFA and UNICEF.