Which disciplines will represent us at the Commonwealth Games?

Apr 18, 2014 Sports

Despite the scarcity of information pertaining to which associations have submitted their respective choices of names vying for places to represent Guyana at the upcoming Commonwealth Games scheduled for Glasgow, Scotland in July Kaieteur Sport takes a look at some of the disciplines that have the best chance of making the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA) shortlist.

Mahendra Persaud

Among the front runners that could possibly be aiming to gain the consent of the GOA are Squash, Rifle Shooting, and Boxing, while hockey and table tennis should also be strong contenders.
The customary automatic selection of athletics should not be so automatic after all since no one of repute has emerged since Aliann Pompey won gold in the 400 metres at the 2002 Games in Manchester, England.
Guyana has a solid opportunity to gain at least a medal in Squash with current Caribbean and national champion Nicolette Fernandes expected to spearhead our quest along with Australia-based Sunil Seth, while Alex Arjoon should be given the opportunity to compete on the bigger stage.
Rifle shooting should also bring some glory with Mahendra Persaud and Lennox Brathwaithe all experienced and excellent shooters at the highest level of the sport and Guyana’s 5th place finish at the last Games in New Delhi should at least give them plenty confidence if they gain the nod of the GOA.
Boxing has not regained the stature that it once held, but the local body has been offering consistent exposure to our young pugilists and they should be given the opportunity to repay the Guyana Boxing Association and the other stakeholders for the faith that they placed in them.
Table Tennis from all accounts performed creditably, but there are too many strong teams within the Commonwealth so their selection should only come if the funds are available.
The hockey team which recently returned from Uruguay following a commendable third place finish deserves the chance to test their skills at another high level competition. India, England and Australia are all powerful nations in the sport and while they will be difficult to beat, especially since we do not play a lot of outdoor hockey, it is worth the investment in them.

Nicolete Fernandes

Guyana sent one of its largest ever contingent to leave these shores to the last Games and the results were definitely not encouraging so it would be interesting to see which disciplines will be selected to represent us at the upcoming Games.