CONCACAF has officially announced the format for the 2025 Gold Cup Preliminaries, set to take place in March 2025. The preliminaries will feature 14 teams competing in home-and-away matchups, with the winners of each matchup earning a coveted spot in the Group Stage of the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup.

The format will pit the highest-ranked team against the lowest-ranked team based on the November 20, 2024, CONCACAF Rankings, ensuring competitive balance. This ranking-based approach has resulted in matchups ranging from regional powerhouses like Costa Rica and Jamaica to emerging teams such as Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Belize.

The matchups are as follows: Costa Rica (1) will face Belize (14), Jamaica (2) will take on St Vincent and the Grenadines (13), Honduras (3) will go up against Bermuda (12), Guatemala (4) will play Guyana (11), Trinidad and Tobago (5) will battle Cuba (10), Martinique (6) will meet Suriname (9), and Nicaragua (7) will face Guadeloupe (8).

Ranked second in the preliminaries, Jamaica will take on Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, ranked 13th, in a two-legged tie. The first leg will be played in Kingston, followed by the return leg in Saint Vincent. A victory in the series will secure Jamaica’s place in the 2025 Gold Cup Group Stage, where they will aim to continue their strong regional performances.

The preliminary round will determine the final seven teams to join the already-qualified nations in the Gold Cup Group Stage. The competition promises high-stakes action as teams vie for the opportunity to compete in one of CONCACAF’s most prestigious tournaments.

The full schedule for the 2025 Gold Cup Preliminaries will be released in the coming weeks, with fans across the region eagerly anticipating the matchups that will shape the tournament’s final lineup. Stay tuned for updates as the road to the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup heats up!

Matchups for the 2025 Gold Cup Preliminaries
Costa Rica (1) vs Belize (14)
Jamaica (2) vs Saint Vincent and the Grenadines (13)
Honduras (3) vs Bermuda (12)
Guatemala (4) vs Guyana (11)
Trinidad and Tobago (5) vs Cuba (10)
Martinique (6) vs Suriname (9)
Nicaragua (7) vs Guadeloupe (8)

In a bold move highlighting longstanding issues within the St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) Football Federation, Koyana Horne has tendered her resignation from the Executive Council, citing concerns over governance and transparency.

Horne, who was elected in March for a four-year term on the executive council, led by president Otashie Spring, said she wanted to serve based on the promise of good governance, transparency, accountability, and football development.

As such, Horne expressed disappointment with the federation's approach to governance, noting a lack of both transparency and inclusivity in decision-making processes. She added that her decision to resign with immediate effect reflects her commitment to personal integrity and to what she believes is in the best interest of SVG football.

“Please note that I did not take up the mantle to serve without careful thought, nor am I giving up at this point without the same careful considerations. However, I will like to maintain my sanity, integrity, and reputation at the end of the day. So allow me to express my disappointment in not being able to honour the period for which I was elected, and why,” Horne said in her letter, a copy of which was obtained by SportsMax.Tv.

“Too many questionable actions and decisions have not been sitting well with me. Though an elected member of the council, I feel ostracized from a lot of decision-making, and information sharing seems selective. As such, I don't think I am making or is allowed to make a real impact,” she added.

Horne pointed out that she witnessed persistent issues that, in her view, have hindered the growth and development of football in the islands. The first of those issues, she said, surfaced when Spring sought outside counsel from Mr Venold Coombs, whom he desired to have attend executive meetings.

She explained that though the president’s decision was met with rejection, he maintained that Coombs would serve as his personal advisor.

“Now, while I have no personal problems with Mr Coombs, in my humble opinion, a relationship of the sort seems reckless until clarity is given by/from the relevant authority about his permitted level of involvement in the administration of football," said Horne, who was the Chairperson of Match Commissioner, venue coordinator, and
field accreditation committee.

She continued: “Then there was segregation within the Council, the setting up of an executive within the executive, labelling it as an Emergency Committee, as opposed to simply having emergency meetings. Some council decisions were made without an invitation for all council members to part-take. My objections to this were futile and are made to seem conscientious with the addition of a fifth council member; even that in itself is another issue.

“The misrepresentation of the discussions held and agreements made at meetings is written as Council Minutes. Statements without context and paddings of unheard discussions comprise these legal documents, not to mention proclamations passed as decisions made.”

That said, Horne pointed to a lack of transparency and inefficient communication from the federation's hierarchy, leaving council members oblivious to the organization’s true financial standing, among other things.

“One may expect council members to know the financial status of the organization, but secrecy seems to be the order of the real powers that be. To date, only one monthly financial report has been shared with the entire executive council, yet extraordinary meetings are called to make decisions with great financial implications,” she argued.

“Communication is the icing on top of the cake. Internally, there seems to be a rationing of information on a 'need to know' basis. In attempts to question things so I could have clarity and understanding, too many of the things asked were left without answers or given partial responses. Information is received after the fact or from alternative sources (thank you to the many grapevines out there). The lack of trust is felt, but it goes both ways,” Horne said, adding that she will continue to lend her support and knowledge when and where possible.

St. Vincent and the Grenadines celebrated its 45th Independence anniversary with a powerful acknowledgement of national pride, honouring a select group of athletes as sporting ambassadors. Among these, middle-distance runner Shafiqua Maloney received special recognition from Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, who announced her appointment during his Independence Day speech at Victoria Park on Sunday evening.

 Prime Minister Gonsalves praised Maloney, who recently represented her country with distinction by finishing fourth in the women’s 800m final at the Paris Olympic Games. The prime minister described her as an “amazing athlete of exemplary excellence,” applauding her achievements and the pride she brings to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

 In response, Maloney shared her gratitude on social media, thanking the government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for the honour. “An honour to be named a Sports Ambassador for my country,” Maloney wrote. “To the Hon @comraderalph and the people of SVG, thank you for entrusting me with such a prestigious title. I will continue to represent you with pride and dignity.”

 Alongside Maloney, other athletes were appointed as sports ambassadors, including West Indies test cricketer Jomel Warrican, former national footballer and coach Fitzgerald “John Hinds” King, and national footballer Oalex Anderson. The appointments highlight the country’s commitment to supporting its athletes, who represent St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the international stage.

 This move is part of a broader celebration of national achievements as St. Vincent and the Grenadines continues to honour individuals who embody resilience, excellence, and a strong sense of national pride.

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines delivered a stunning performance on Sunday, defeating El Salvador 2-1 in a dramatic Concacaf Nations League clash at Arnos Vale Stadium. The victory cut El Salvador’s lead at the top of Group A in League B to just two points, reigniting the Vincy Heat’s hopes of advancing in the competition.

Heading into the match, El Salvador was on the verge of earning promotion and securing a direct spot in the 2025 Gold Cup with a win. However, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines had other plans, rallying in front of their home fans to secure a crucial three points.

The hosts took the lead in the 39th minute when Shakeem Adams capitalized on a bouncing ball in the box, slotting it home from close range to send the crowd into early celebrations. Despite El Salvador's efforts to find a quick equalizer, they were unable to break through the Vincy Heat defense in the first half.

El Salvador, however, responded with intensity in the second half, and their persistence paid off in the 71st minute. Captain Rudy Clavel headed in a redirected ball from a corner kick to bring La Selecta level, putting them back in control of their promotion ambitions.

But the drama was far from over. In the 88th minute, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines snatched the win with a moment of brilliance. Diel Spring slid in to connect with a perfectly placed cross from Bishon Richards, sending the ball past the El Salvador goalkeeper and sparking wild celebrations at Arnos Vale.

With the win, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines moved to seven points, closing the gap on group leaders El Salvador, who remain at the top with nine points. Meanwhile, Bonaire leaped to third in the group with four points after a 1-0 win over Montserrat, while Montserrat now sits at the bottom of Group A with three points.

The victory marks a significant moment for the Vincy Heat as they continue their push for qualification, while El Salvador will now have to regroup to secure promotion in the final stages of the 2024/25 Concacaf Nations League.

El Salvador and St Vincent and the Grenadines emerged victorious in their respective matches on Sunday as the 2024/25 CONCACAF Nations League B continued at Stadion Antonio Trenidat in Rincon, Bonaire. Both teams solidified their positions at the top of Group A, with El Salvador maintaining their perfect start to the campaign and St Vincent and the Grenadines picking up their first win.

St Vincent and the Grenadines earned a crucial 2-0 victory over Montserrat, marking their first win of the current campaign. Cornelius Stewart opened the scoring in the 15th minute after receiving a long ball from Bishon Richards, calmly slotting the ball past the Montserrat goalkeeper. Stewart, the Vincy Heat’s all-time scorer in the CONCACAF Nations League, continues his impressive form, having scored in every edition of the tournament.

Montserrat had a golden opportunity to equalize in the 60th minute when Brandon Barzey stepped up for a penalty kick. However, St Vincent and the Grenadines goalkeeper Lemus Christopher made a crucial save to maintain his team’s lead. Diel Spring sealed the win in the 88th minute, with Stewart providing the assist for the second goal.

Christopher’s five saves ensured a clean sheet for St Vincent and the Grenadines, as they secured all three points to stay in contention for promotion.

El Salvador retained their spot at the top of Group A with a 2-1 victory over Bonaire. The Salvadorans, who are eyeing a return to League A, finished September with two wins from two matches for a perfect six-point start.

The first half looked set to end goalless until an own goal by Bonaire’s Quincy Hoeve off a Nelson Blanco corner gave El Salvador the lead in the 45th+3 minute. El Salvador doubled their advantage in the 60th minute with a well-executed passing sequence that set up Emerson Mauricio for a simple finish, his second goal of the tournament.

Bonaire pulled one back in stoppage time, with Jort van der Sande heading home a corner in the 90th+1 minute, but it wasn’t enough to deny El Salvador the win.

With these results, El Salvador remains on top of Group A with six points, while St Vincent and the Grenadines sit second with four points. Bonaire follows in third with one point, and Montserrat is in fourth place without a point after the September matches.

Suriname, Costa Rica and Guatemala opened their League A Concacaf Nations League accounts with victories, as did El Salvador in League B as the fourth edition of the tournament got into full swing on Thursday.

All battling for Group A honours, Suriname and Guatemala topped Guyana and Martinique 3-1, while Costa Rica blanked Guadeloupe 3-0, as all three teams sit on three points, separated only by a slight goal difference.

Meanwhile, in Group A of League B, El Salvador romped to a 4-1 win over Montserrat, while Bonaire and St Vincent and the Grenadines played out a 1-1 stalemate.

Guyana vs. Suriname

Suriname’s victory away to Guyana spoiled the Golden Jaguars League A debut at the National Track and Field Centre in Leonora.

After three seasons in League B, Guyana would have hoped to start life in League A on a positive note, but it was not to be.

Djevencio van der Kust sent Suriname in front with an 18th-minute strike. However, Omari Glasgow pulled Guyana level with a 41st-minute penalty conversion for his 11th Nations League goal to extend his tally as the nation’s leading scorer in the competition.

But Guyana’s celebrations were short-lived as Jaden Montor drove home a powerful effort from an angle in the 66th to put Suriname 2-1 up.

Virgil Misidjan then sealed the win for the Dutch-speaking Caribbean island with a tidy 83rd-minute finish.

Costa Rica vs. Guadeloupe

Costa Rica were always favoured to secure three points here and they did just that on home soil at Estadio Nacional in San José.

After a goalless first half, Costa Rica’s captain Francisco Calvo led from the front with an expert header from Joel Campbell’s weighted corner kick to put his team in front in the 50th minute.

Ariel Lassiter doubled the lead in the 77th when he tucked home a right-footer from close range.

Warren Madrigal added another in 81st to cap the win.

Guatemala vs. Martinique 

Guatemala extended their all-time unbeaten record at home to eight matches as they bettered Martinique in a first-ever meeting between the two at Estadio Doroteo Guamuch Flores.

Rubio Rubin fired home from Oscar Santis’ cross to give Guatemala a 3rd-minute lead.

After keeping Guatemala at bay thanks to goalkeeper Yannis Clementia, who came up big to deny Rubin and Alejandro Galindo in the 10th and 22nd minutes, respectively, Martinique pulled level in the 51st when Kevin Appin headed home.

However, Guatemala regained the lead from the penalty spot when Jose Pinto converted in the 61st.

Martinique should have been back on level terms in the 72nd, but Brighton Labeau’s penalty kick was saved by Guatemala’s custodian Nicholas Hagen.

That allowed Guatemala to capitalise as Jose Martinez fired home in the 90+5 to secure all three points.

Group A action will resume on Monday, beginning with Guadeloupe against Suriname and Martinique against Guyana. A Central American clash will conclude the day’s play as Guatemala hosts Costa Rica.

Over in League B, El Salvador will be aiming to consolidate their lead atop the group when they take on Bonaire on Sunday, while St Vincent and the Grenadines play Montserrat.

Jamaica's Yanique Thompson delivered a standout performance at the ISTAF Berlin Meeting in Germany on Sunday, claiming victory in the women's 100m hurdles with an impressive time of 12.73 seconds. Thompson led a Jamaican 1-2 finish, as compatriot Britany Anderson secured second place with a time of 12.89 seconds. The pair dominated the race, leaving Germany's Marlene Meier, who clocked a personal best of 12.93 seconds, to settle for third.

Thompson's victory is a significant achievement as she continues to build momentum in her hurdling career, reaffirming Jamaica's strength in the sprint hurdles on the international stage.

In the men's 110m hurdles, Jamaica's Omar McLeod followed up his third-place finish at the Diamond League Meeting in Rome on Friday with another third-place finish in Berlin. McLeod, the 2016 Olympic champion, crossed the line in 13.28 seconds, behind American Grant Holloway, who won in 13.14 seconds, and France's Rachid Muratake, who clocked 13.21 seconds.

Additionally, Shafiqua Maloney set a new lifetime best and national record in the rarely run women's 600m, finishing second in a fiercely competitive race. Maloney's time of 1:22.98 shattered her previous personal best and established a new benchmark for St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Kenya's Mary Moraa took the win in 1:21.63, while Germany's Alica Schmidt completed the podium in third with a time of 1:24.88.

The ISTAF Berlin Meeting once again proved to be a successful outing for Jamaican athletes, showcasing their talent and determination on the international stage.

Barbados and Bermuda were among teams that opened their 2024 Caribbean Football Union (CFU) Boys’ U-14 Challenge Series campaigns in convincing manners with 6-2 and 4-0 victories over St Vincent and the Grenadines and Grenada on Friday.

The tournament being hosted in Trinidad and Tobago started as expected, with Barbados dominating proceedings in a lopsided Group A, Tier II affair against St Vincent and the Grenadines. Games are played over 70 minutes.

Barbados broke the deadlock in the fourth minute through Maleek Peters, who tucked away a rebound after St Vincent and the Grenadines goalkeeper Kevon Phillips saved captain Jamarco Johnson’s effort.

They doubled the lead four minutes later, courtesy of Sacha Pounder, who finished a pass from Trey Barker.

St Vincent and the Grenadines pulled one back in the 17th when Jomain Ollivierre latched onto a through pass from Beau Hoyte and fired past goalkeeper Shaquan King.

Barker’s second assist came in the 32nd when he played a cross to Johnson, who finished from a tight angle to put Barbados 3-1 up at the break.

St Vincent and the Grenadines again reduced the deficit in the 42nd through Xavier Thorne's own goal. However, that was all they would get from the contest, as Barbados took control from there when Peters completed his brace in the 45th.

Substitute Rajari Rollins in the 50th with an easy finish from a Barker assist to make it 5-2 for Barbados. Barker was eventually rewarded for his efforts with a strike of his own in the 59th to complete the 6-2 scoreline.

Bermuda 4-0 Grenada

Bermuda also dominated their first match of Tier II Group C against Grenada at Ato Boldon Stadium.

Jeon Wolfe got Bermuda’s show going with a quick brace in the sixth and seventh minutes. He opened the scoring with a tidy finish from a Zydon Lightbourne Furbert assist and then slotted into an empty net a minute later.

An unfortunate own-goal pushed Grenada further behind, before Lightbourne Furbert capped Bermuda’s win with a 38th-minute strike.

Anguilla 1- 3 Turks and Caicos Islands

Over at the Hasely Crawford Stadium, Turks and Caicos Islands scored a comfortable 3-1 win over Anguilla when the teams met in Tier II, Group B action.

Turks and Caicos struck first in the fourth minute courtesy of Wilsony Charles, who made no mistakes from close range. They doubled the lead a minute later when Khazaiviyon Basden-Darvol converted from the penalty spot, and that just about signalled the writing on the wall for Anguilla.

Anguilla pulled one back in the 36th through Zahir Hennis, who tucked home at the far post. However, Turk and Caicos restored their two-goal cushion and, by extension, wrapped up the win when Charles completed his brace with a well-driven shot from just outside the 18-yard box.

Antigua and Barbuda 2-1 Guyana

Antigua and Barbuda scored a 2-1 win over Guyana in Tier II Group A play at Larry Gomes Stadium.

Captain Shemar Walters opened the scoring for Antigua and Barbuda in the second minute with a well-taken effort.

Guyana's Mark Glasgow pulled his team level when he fired home in the 15th to keep things interesting.

But their celebrations were short-lived as Luke Harney Rogerson restored Antigua and Barbuda’s lead with a 21st-minute effort.

Though they continued to create chances, Antigua and Barbuda failed to add to their tally, but will hope to improve their scoring form in their next encounter on Sunday.

Bonaire 2-1 St. Lucia 

Bonaire secured a 2-1 hard-fought victory over St Lucia at the Ato Boldon Stadium in Tier II, Group C.

St Lucia dominated the opening moments, mainly through Randall Monroe, as the Bonaire defenders found the lanky winger’s running and technical ability difficult to handle. The St Lucians were rewarded for their early hard work and took the lead in the match through an own goal.  

Monroe got in behind the defence, and his cross found Eustace Blackstock on the back post. Blackstock’s redirected header came off Bonaire’s Julian Garcia Henriquez to give St. Lucia a 1-0 lead.

Bonaire drew level through Rayvion Simon, whose powerful volley from the top of the penalty area left Jervonti Toussaint rooted to the spot.

Margall Statie then gifted Bonaire the lead in the 32nd minute when got on the end of a Rushando Arrow whipped cross and finished with a expert header. 

Both teams will be back in action on Saturday. Bonaire plays Bermuda, and St Lucia takes on St Maarten.

Dominica 3-0 British Virgin Islands

Dominica blanked British Virgin Islands 3-0 when the teams met in Tier II Group B at the Hasely Crawford Stadium.

Che Etienne opened the scoring in the 11^th with an easy finish through the legs of BVI’s custodian, Trevon Steven. 

Taran George quickly made it 2-0 in the 12th with a comfortable finish from close range. He later completed his brace and his team’s victory with a 28-minute strike.

Dominica play the US Virgin Islands at 6:00 pm on Saturday, while BVI play Turks and Caicos Islands at 4:00 pm. 

Day 8 of Track and Field at the 2024 Paris Olympics was a day of mixed emotions for Caribbean athletes, highlighted by a standout performance from Jamaica's women in the 4x100m relay. As the morning session unfolded, the Jamaican quartet delivered a strong run to secure their place in the finals, a beacon of hope on an otherwise challenging day for the region.

The Jamaican team, comprised of Alana Reid, Kemba Nelson, Shashalee Forbes, and Tia Clayton finished third in their heat with a season-best time of 42.35 seconds, which placed them sixth overall and earned them a coveted spot in the finals.

In stark contrast, Trinidad and Tobago’s women’s relay team faced disappointment. Despite their best efforts, they finished eighth in their heat with a time of 43.99 seconds, which was not enough to advance to the finals. The team, consisting of Akilah Lewis, Sole Frederick, Sanaa Frederick, and Leah Bertrand, gave it their all but ultimately fell short.

The men’s 4x100m relay saw similar heartbreak for Jamaica. The team, made up of Ackeem Blake, Jelani Walker, Jehlani Gordon, and Kishane Thompson, ran a season-best time of 38.45 seconds but finished fourth in their heat and 11th overall, failing to make it to the finals. It was a bitter pill to swallow as they had high hopes for a strong finish.

Elsewhere, the Caribbean faced tough outcomes in other events.

In the women's shot put, Jamaica's Danniel Thomas-Dodd and Lloydricia Cameron, along with Trinidad & Tobago's Portious Warren, did not advance past the qualification round. Thomas-Dodd threw 18.12m, Cameron achieved a season-best of 18.02m, and Warren managed 17.22m. Their efforts were valiant but fell short of the 19.15m qualification standard, ending their Olympic journeys in this event.

The women's 100m hurdles also saw Caribbean athletes falling short. Emelia Chatfield of Haiti and Denisha Cartwright of the Bahamas competed fiercely but did not make it past the repechage round. Chatfield finished sixth in her heat with a time of 13.24 seconds, while Cartwright was seventh, clocking 13.45 seconds. Despite their strong performances, they were unable to advance to the semifinals.

In the men's 800m, St Vincent and the Grenadines' Handal Roban, Jamaica’s Navasky Anderson, and Dominica’s Dennick Luke all faced similar fates in the repechage round. Roban finished fourth with a time of 1:45.80, Anderson fifth in his heat with 1:46.01, and Luke set a national record of 1:46.81 but finished sixth in his heat. None of these times were sufficient to move on to the semifinals, marking the end of their Olympic campaigns in this event.

As the world gears up for the track and field segment of the Paris Olympic Games, set to commence on Friday, athletes from various Caribbean islands are brimming with excitement and high expectations. These athletes, contesting a diverse range of events such as the 100m, 400m, 800m, and decathlon, are ready to execute with pride and passion, but more importantly, with hopes that the hard work done over the past four years will bear fruit on the global stage.

Having completed the final phase of their preparations at Complexe Sportif de l’ile des Vannes, ahead of competition, the athletes—Aliyah Abrams, Shakeem McKay, Shafiqua Maloney, Cejhae Green, and Lindon Victor—took time to share their eagerness with Sportsmax’s Alex Jordan.

Guyana’s Abrams, 27, who will contest the women’s 400m, is especially enthusiastic, as she seeks to create history by securing her country’s first ever track and field medal at the Olympic Games. The country’s lone medal to date was earned by boxer Michael Parris at the 1980 Olympic Games in Russia.

“It (the atmosphere) has been great, the weather has been good, and training has been great. This is my third day out and everything is coming together well, so I am excited. It is going great for me; I just want to really hammer throw the rounds and make sure I don’t leave anything off the track essentially. So I just intend on giving it my all and just doing my very best so I can make the final,” said Abrams, who will be making her third-consecutive Olympic Games appearance.

Another quartermiler, Shakeem McKay of Trinidad and Tobago, echoed similar sentiments as he hopes to make a memorable debut at the global multi-sport event. The 21-year-old, along with Jereem Richards, will carry the Twin Island Republic’s flag in the men’s 400m.

“It (being at the Olympic Games) is a dream come true,” he declared.

“I am just taking it day-by-day as it comes; I am not letting it get to my head or anything; I am just here to get the job done. Today (Thursday) was a fairly easy day; we had a couple sprints, accelerations, block starts and so on. So today was really just to prepare for tomorrow when we get on track,” McKay added.

The 100m dash, often regarded as the marquee event of track and field, will see several Caribbean sprinters vying for gold. Antigua and Barbuda’s Cejhae Green is among those that will line up in the men’s event.

Green, 28, is also making his third Olympic Games appearance.

“I am as ready as I can get. If you’re not ready by the time you get to the Olympic Village, then you’re in big trouble. I am feeling really good; actually, today was a really good day. Sometimes training doesn’t go as planned, but today was a good day…coach was happy, and once the coach is happy, I can’t complain,” Green shared.

Maloney, of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is one of the Caribbean’s middle distance hopefuls in the women’s 800m. The 25-year-old, who holds her country’s indoor and outdoor national records, is now eager to make her mark, as opposed to her debut outing at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

“Honestly, in Tokyo, I was not in a good place mentally, I was lacking experience and just wasn’t aware of what it takes to compete at the top level. Now I have more experience, I have been running for a couple years now, I am now on the professional circuit; and I am a lot more prepared mentally and physically,” Maloney explained.

“I am out here chasing a medal like everybody else; just take it one round at a time and get to the final, but I can’t think about the final until I get past each round. So one round at a time, and when I get to the final, I can think about the medal. It doesn’t matter what you ran before you came here; it is about what you do here, so you have to show up and compete,” she noted.

Meanwhile, Grenada’s Victor, will contest the decathlon, a grueling two-day event that tests an athlete’s versatility and endurance across ten disciplines.

Conferred with the Order of the British Empire (OBE) earlier this year, Lindon, 31, is hoping to make his country proud on this his third Olympic Games appearance.

“I have to compete and be a good ambassador for my country first and foremost. Once I compete hard, compete well, and do what I need to, I think Grenada will be proud, and a medal would be a cherry on top of that,” Victor stated.

With the stage set and the athletes ready, the world will be watching as these talented individuals strive for Olympic glory.

Barbados have been crowned champions of the 2024 CWI Rising Stars Men’s 2-Day Championship after a draw with defending champions Jamaica in the final at Arnos Vale Playing Field from Saturday-Sunday.

Barbados batted first on Saturday after being put in by the Jamaicans and made 200-9 declared off 62.4 overs in their first innings.

Raneico Smith led the way with 50 off 57 balls including seven fours and a six batting at number nine after the Jamaicans had Barbados reeling at 79-5 in the 26^th over at one point.

Captain Nathan Sealy also provided some important runs with 29 against 3-61 off 19 overs from Tamarie Redwood and identical figures of 2-39 off 10 overs, each, from Jevone Wynter and Michael Clarke.

Jamaica, in their reply, reached 72-2 off 24 overs at stumps on day one, trailing by 128 runs with Steven Wedderburn and Matthew Morgan at the crease on 39* and 28*, respectively.

The first over of day two saw Wedderburn fall without adding to his overnight score and that signaled the beginning of the end for the Jamaicans.

The wickets of Morgan (33), Trevaun Williams (2) and captain Brian Barnes (16) followed soon after as they eventually reached 127-8 off 43 overs before declaring to try and force a result out of the game.

Off-spinner Saurav Worrell was the pick of the Barbadian bowlers with 3-24 from his 10 overs while Jatario Prescod also took three wickets.

Barbados then batted smartly in their second innings, eventually reaching 172-2 in 57 overs before proceedings drew to a close with them as champions.

Openers Kyle Jordan and Joshua Morris made 62 and 52, respectively.

Full Scores:

Barbados U-19s 200-9 declared off 62.4 overs (Raneico Smith 50, Nathan Sealy 29, Tamarie Redwood 3-61, Michael Clarke 2-39, Jevone Wynter 2-39) & 172-2 off 57 overs (Kyle Jordan 62, Joshua Morris 52, Joshua Dorne 29*, Zion Brathwaite 22*)

Jamaica U-19s 128-8 declared off 43 overs (Steven Wedderburn 39, Matthew Morgan 33, Saurav Worrell 3-24, Jatario Prescod 3-51, Raneico Smith 2-16)

Teams will now turn their attention to the CWI Rising Stars Men's 50-Over Championships starting on Tuesday.

Defending champions Jamaica will face Guyana at Arnos Vale. The Leeward Islands will face Trinidad & Tobago at Sion Hill while Barbados takes on the Windward Islands at Park Hill.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) Rising Stars Men's Under-19 Championship, initially set to commence on July 2, with a three-day competition preceding a 50-over tournament, has undergone significant changes due to Hurricane Beryl's passage earlier this week.

The hurricane affected regions including host country St. Vincent and the Grenadines, necessitating a delay and a subsequent alteration in the tournament's format.

The tournament will now begin on July 11 in St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The updated format will feature four rounds of two-day matches and five rounds of 50-over matches.

Despite these modifications, the tournament will still conclude on July 31 as initially planned, ensuring teams have a balance of match time to develop their skills and adequate time for recovery between matches. 

Cricket West Indies Director of Cricket, Miles Bascombe, stated, "Following an assessment by our Cricket Department, I am pleased to confirm that the pitches and outfields are in excellent condition. Additionally, electricity and water services have been fully restored at all venues and accommodation facilities."

The Barbados, Leeward Islands, Jamaica, and Guyana teams are scheduled to arrive today Monday, July 8. The Trinidad and Tobago team will arrive on Wednesday, July 10. The Windward Islands team is already present in St. Vincent.

Bascombe also commended all stakeholders for their effort in reorganizing and readying the tournament under challenging circumstances. "I want to extend my gratitude to everyone involved in the quick and efficient reorganization of the championship. Your dedication has ensured we can proceed as planned. I also commend the players for their patience and understanding during this period.” Bascombe said.

Afghanistan reached the T20 World Cup semi-finals for the first time and eliminated Australia from the tournament with a dramatic eight-run win over Bangladesh.

Afghanistan entered the final game of the Super 8s requiring a victory to join England, India and South Africa in the last four, while Bangladesh themselves could still qualify via net run-rate with a handsome win.

Both Bangladesh and Australia might have been positive regarding their prospects when Afghanistan reached just 115 in their innings.

Even Rahmanullah Gurbaz's 43 came off 55 balls as they made slow progress, before the opener handed Soumya Sarkar a simple catch off a 17th-over delivery from Rishad Hossain, who impressed with figures of 3-26.

It was the Bangladesh innings that brought the drama, though. 

Repeated rain stoppages meant they were left chasing a series of revised targets, and the losses of Najmul Hossain Shanto (5) and Shakib Al Hasan on back-to-back third-over balls, the latter for a golden duck, made their chances of qualification unlikely.

However, they could still send Australia through with any victory, and opener Litton Das did his best to do so, making an unbeaten 54 as wickets tumbled around him.

With Bangladesh nine runs from victory but with just one wicket remaining in the 18th over, it was Naveen-ul-Haq who sealed Afghanistan's place in the last four.

He joined captain Rashid Khan on four dismissals by trapping Mustafizur Rahman lbw, ensuring Afghanistan will face South Africa in a historic semi-final in Trinidad on Thursday.

Data Debrief: Farooqi earns a slice of history

While Afghanistan captain Khan (4-23) and Naveen (4-26) hogged the headlines on a historic day for the team, team-mate Fazalhaq Farooqi also had an outing to remember. He trapped Tanzid Hasan lbw for the first wicket of the Bangladesh innings, his 16th wicket at this year's tournament.

That drew him level with Sri Lanka's PW Hasaranga (in 2022) for the most wickets in a single edition of the T20 World Cup, and he will look to take the record outright against South Africa later this week.

A host of Jamaican schools will line up in the final of the High School Boys Championships of America 4x100m final, as they successfully navigated the qualifiers on day two of the 128th Penn Relays at the Franklin Field in Philadelphia on Friday.

Leading the qualifiers was the Excelsior quartet of Ryeem Walker, Damor Miller, Malike Nugent and Lennon Green, which clocked a brisk 40.62 seconds to top their heat.

They will be joined by local rivals Kingston College (41.30s), St Jago (41.35s), St George’s College (41.42s), Calabar High (41.70s) and Jamaica College (41.73s), and Wolmer’s Boys (41.84s). The other two lanes in the medal event will be occupied by Washington DC-based Archbishop John Carroll (41.49s) and Virginia-based West Springfield (41.77s).

Meanwhile, the High School Boys International final, also scheduled for Saturday, will see six Jamaican schools going up against those from Trinidad and Tobago, St Vincent and the Grenadines and The Bahamas, respectively.

St Elizabeth Technical (STETHS) headlines that field, after they posted the fastest qualifying time of 42.26s, followed by Cornwall College (42.53s) and the Bahamian school Queens College (42.61s). St Benedict’s, of out the twin island republic, and Munro College, both clocked 42.83s, while St Vincent Grammar (43.11s), Petersfield (43.14s), St Catherine (43.26s) and Vere Technical (43.55s), are the other qualifiers.

Vincentian 800m record holder Shafiqua Maloney has a dream to represent her country at the Olympic Games in Paris and KFC St. Vincent has partnered with her to make that dream a reality.

The fast food chain and the University of Arkansas alum announced the partnership in a joint social media post on Saturday.

“KFC St. Vincent is pleased to announce our support for Vincentian athlete Shafiqua Maloney as she journeys to the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.”

“As you know it hasn’t been easy for me but I just want to thank you for your love and support. It has meant a lot,” Maloney expressed in the post.

The fast food chain has already donated ECD$5000 to Maloney’s Olympic fund and will donate ECD$1 with every purchase of two meals from the Maloney-inspired ‘800m Menu,’ the ‘Olympic Dream Meal’ and the ‘800m Warrior Wrap.’

That menu will be available at all KFC St. Vincent restaurants from Monday, April 22.

Maloney, 25, garnered significant attention during her recent appearance on the SportsMax Zone in February, where she revealed that she experienced homelessness for several months in the past year and has been unable to compensate her coaches for an extended period of time. 

She also shared that her departure from the United States would result in her being barred from reentry until her application for an O-1 visa is approved. This visa application carries a price tag of $8,500.

“Thank you, KFC and thank you in advance St. Vincent and the Grenadines. I hope that you will help support this cause. Paris 2024, I’ll be there!” Maloney said.

On the track, Maloney has had an excellent start to her 2024 season.

She went unbeaten indoors in three races in the 800m, including establishing a new national record 1:58.69 at the Tyson Invitational on February 10.

Outdoors, Maloney set a new meet record 2:00.25 to win the 800m at the Texas Relays on March 28.

She then established a new national record in the 600m at the Miramar Invitational on April 6 with 1:23.80.

A week later, she ran 1:59.97 for victory at the Tom Jones Invitational in Gainesville.

Most recently, she secured the 800m and 1500m double at the John McDonnell Invitational in Fayetteville on April 19.