Trinidad & Tobago – Team Guyana has once again demonstrated its prowess on the regional badminton stage, delivering a commendable performance at the prestigious CAREBACO Senior Badminton Championships 2025 held in Trinidad and Tobago from November 1st to 4th. The contingent secured a total of four medals, showcasing the growing strength and dedication of Guyanese athletes in this popular Caribbean sport. The tournament, a key fixture in the regional badminton calendar, attracted top talent from across the Caribbean and served as a significant platform for players to vie for BWF World Ranking points.
Priyanna Ramdhani: Silver Linings Amidst Adversity
Priyanna Ramdhani, a standout player for Guyana, exemplified resilience and skill, clinching two silver medals despite facing a significant setback. In the Women’s Singles final, Ramdhani exhibited exceptional form, dominating her opponent and winning the first set decisively. However, midway through the second set, a painful knee injury forced her to retire from the match, resulting in a silver medal instead of the coveted gold. The injury also impacted her participation in the Women’s Doubles final, where she and her partner, Chequeda De Boulet of Trinidad and Tobago, were unable to compete, conceding a walkover and earning another silver medal.
Ramdhani’s journey to the finals included strong performances throughout the championship. She secured her spot in the Women’s Singles final by defeating Breanna Bisnott of Jamaica in the semi-finals. In the Women’s Doubles, her partnership with De Boulet proved formidable, as they advanced past the semi-finals with a convincing win over a Jamaican pair.
Akili Haynes: A Double Dose of Bronze
Complementing Ramdhani’s success, Akili Haynes, the Senior Men’s National Champion, also made his mark by securing two bronze medals. Haynes displayed consistent performance, reaching the semi-finals in both the Men’s Singles and the Mixed Doubles categories. In the Men’s Singles semi-final, he faced a tough challenge against Trinidad and Tobago’s Vance Juteram, ultimately falling to the local favorite and securing a bronze medal.
Haynes’ second bronze came in the Mixed Doubles event, where he partnered with Priyanna Ramdhani. The duo battled valiantly in their semi-final match against the formidable Jamaican pair of Kenneth Anglin and Breanna Bisnott, ultimately finishing with a bronze medal. Their journey to the semi-finals included a strong showing earlier in the tournament.
Team Guyana’s Collective Spirit
While Ramdhani and Haynes led the medal charge, the entire Guyanese contingent demonstrated significant commitment and sportsmanship. Nkosi Beaton, another participant, showed determination in the Men’s Singles and Doubles events, reaching the Round of 16 in both categories before facing strong regional competition. Mishka Beharry also competed, showcasing resilience in the Women’s Singles, though her campaign ended in the Round of 16.
The performances of these athletes underscore the growing depth of talent within Guyana’s badminton program. The team’s presence in multiple semi-finals highlights their competitive spirit and their ability to perform under pressure against established regional players.
The CAREBACO Stage: A Pillar of Caribbean Badminton
The Caribbean Regional Badminton Confederation (CAREBACO) Championships have a rich history dating back to 1972, initially featuring founding nations like Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, Suriname, and Guyana. Over the decades, CAREBACO has grown into a significant international tournament, evolving into an open event that allows players to earn crucial BWF World Ranking points since 1999. The event is instrumental in fostering badminton development across the Caribbean, providing a vital platform for athletes to hone their skills and gain international exposure. Guyana has been a consistent participant, with the Ramdhani family, in particular, playing a central role in the nation’s badminton success, from past GBA leadership to current top-tier performances by Priyanna and her siblings.
Forging a Stronger Badminton Future for Guyana
This latest success at the CAREBACO Senior Championships reinforces the positive trajectory of badminton in Guyana. The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA), led by President Emelia Ramdhani, expressed pride in the athletes’ achievements, emphasizing their dedication and the potential for future growth. The performances of both seasoned players like Ramdhani and Haynes, and the emerging talent seen in other team members, signal a bright future. The association acknowledges the continuous efforts required to support these athletes, from coaching and training to providing opportunities for international competition. Such consistent displays in regional sports news build national pride and encourage wider participation in badminton across Guyana.
As Team Guyana returns home, the focus will undoubtedly shift to recovery for the injured athletes and continued training for all. The success at the CAREBACO Championships serves as a powerful testament to the athletes’ hard work and the burgeoning strength of Guyana’s presence in Caribbean sports.