Haynes, Beharry lead winners as Independence Badminton tournament concludes

…badminton facility to be commissioned soon

The Guyana Badminton Association (GBA) successfully concluded its 60th Independence Anniversary Badminton Tournament on Sunday at the National Gymnasium, with several of the country’s top players producing standout performances across the senior and junior categories as part of Guyana’s diamond jubilee Independence celebrations.
Among the tournament’s biggest performers were Akili Haynes and Mishka Beharry, who each secured two gold medals during the competition. Haynes dominated the Men’s Doubles and Mixed Doubles categories through a series of composed and consistent performances, while Beharry emerged as one of the event’s most successful players after capturing titles in the Under-23 Women’s Singles and Women’s Doubles divisions.

The tournament also produced strong performances in the other featured finals. Sheraz Nabbie claimed the Men’s Singles title after a disciplined campaign, while Ashley Khalil, known for her exploits in squash, secured the Women’s Singles crown with a determined showing throughout the tournament. In the Under-23 Men’s Singles category, Frank Waddell emerged victorious.
According to the GBA, the competition attracted many of the country’s leading senior and junior athletes and highlighted the continued development of badminton locally, with several closely-contested matches entertaining spectators throughout the tournament.
Following the completion of the finals, the presentation ceremony was held at the venue, officially bringing the tournament to a close. Vice President of the Guyana Badminton Association, Ayanna Watson, used the occasion to inform athletes and officials of an upcoming international change to badminton’s scoring system.
According to the official announcement, the Badminton World Federation has approved a new scoring format consisting of two out of three games played to 15 points, which is scheduled to come into effect internationally from January 2027. The change follows trials and discussions aimed at making matches faster paced and more appealing to players, spectators and broadcasters.

Clubs across Guyana were encouraged to begin familiarising themselves with the new format ahead of its gradual introduction at international tournaments before its official implementation.
Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr commended the Guyana Badminton Association for successfully staging the tournament and noted that several sporting disciplines across the country were simultaneously hosting activities in celebration of Guyana’s jubilee Independence anniversary.
Ramson Jr also highlighted the upcoming commissioning of the new badminton facility at the National Racquet Centre, describing it as an Independence gift to the badminton fraternity and an important investment in the continued development of sports infrastructure in Guyana.
Medals and cash prizes were presented by Ramson Jr, National Sports Commission (NSC) Chairman Kashif Mohamed, and Assistant Director of Sport Melissa Dow-Richardson during the closing ceremony.
Special awards were also presented to the oldest and youngest registered participants in the tournament. William Holder received recognition as the oldest participant, while Lucy Leo was recognised as the youngest participant in the competition.

Winners:
Under-23 Men’s Singles
1st Place – Frank Waddell
2nd Place – Christopher Jordan
3rd Place – Yonneil Benjamin
– Caleb Tan

Under-23 Women’s Singles
1st Place – Mishka Beharry
2nd Place – Alimah Eastman
3rd Place – Menishki Jaikissoon
– Anya Manickchand

Men’s Singles
1st Place – Sheraz Nabbie
2nd Place – Akili Haynes
3rd Place – Frank Waddell
– Tyrese Jeffrey

Women’s Singles
1st Place – Ashley Khalil
2nd Place – Mishka Beharry
3rd Place – Alimah Eastman
– Asiyah Eastman

Men’s Doubles
1st Place – Akili Haynes + Tyrese Jeffery
2nd Place – Daniel Tan + Nkosi Beaton
3rd Place – Percival Chester + Ronit Gulchand
– Troxley Cutting + Grandison Robinson

Women’s Doubles
1st Place – Mishka Beharry + Leshaunte Berkley
2nd Place – Asiyan Eastman + Menishki Jaikissoon
3rd Place – Abosadie Cadogan + Ashley Khalil
– Amande Low-Lewis + Anna Perrerria

Mixed Doubles
1st Place – Akili Haynes + Asiyah Eastman
2nd Place – Nkosi Beaton + Mishka Beharry
3rd Place – Frank Waddell + Leshaunte Berkley
– Amande Low-Lewis + Grandison Robinson