Guyana to compete at 6th Islamic Solidarity Games in Saudi Arabia

Nov 03, 2025 Sports

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Kaieteur Sports – Guyana will once again take its place on the international sporting stage as the nation prepares to participate in the 6th Edition of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) Games, scheduled for November 5–21 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Guyana will field a determined and diverse contingent to represent the nation with pride, with the country’s participation marking another major milestone in its expanding footprint in global multi-sport competitions, a development guided by the Guyana Olympic Association (GOA).

The ISSA Games bring together athletes from over 57 member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), celebrating not only athletic excellence but also cultural understanding and unity through sport,

Fostering Solidarity Through Sport

The Islamic Solidarity Games, first introduced in 2005, were conceived as a unique initiative to foster friendship, cultural exchange, and cooperation among athletes from the Islamic world and beyond.

The 2025 edition will feature more than 270 events across 19 sports, including traditional disciplines such as athletics, boxing, swimming, table tennis, and weightlifting, along with newer additions like esports and para sports.

The competitions will be spread across four world-class venue clusters — Boulevard, Olympic Complex, Al Janadriyah, and Malaz — designed to deliver a sustainable and memorable experience for both athletes and spectators.

Notably, this year’s Games mark a return to the event’s four-year cycle after the 2021 edition in Konya, Turkey, was postponed to 2022 due to the global pandemic.

Guyana’s Representation

The GOA delegation will be led by Chef de Mission Garfield Wiltshire, with Nalini McKoy serving as Assistant Chef de Mission.

GOA President Godfrey Munroe and Vice President Cristy Campbell will attend the ISSA Annual General Assembly, while Olympian Chelsea Edghill, Chairperson of the GOA Athletes’ Commission, will represent Guyana at the Athletes’ Commission Session, where she will exercise the nation’s voting rights.

Guyana’s athletes will compete in four disciplines — Boxing, Table Tennis, Swimming, and Athletics — each poised to deliver strong performances.

Boxing (November 5–10, 2025)

Representing Guyana in the boxing ring will be Tokyo Olympian Keevin Allicock and Joel Williamson, two of the country’s most promising fighters.

They will be coached by Lennox Daniels, who expressed confidence that both boxers can make their mark among the region’s best.

Table Tennis (November 8–12, 2025)

The table tennis squad features a mix of experience and emerging talent.

Men’s Team will be lead by recently crowned National champion, Shemar Britton, along with  Elishaba Johnson, and Nigel Bryan.

Two-time Olympian Chelsea Edghill will lead the women’s team that also comprises of Jasmine Billingy, and Thuraia Thomas.

The players will compete in singles, doubles, mixed doubles, and team events, under the guidance of coaches Linden Johnson and Joel Alleyne.

Swimming (November 8–12, 2025)

Delroy Tyrell will represent Guyana in the pool, competing in the 50-metre backstroke, butterfly, and freestyle, as well as the 100-metre backstroke. He will be coached by Ewin Enmore, who has been instrumental in Guyana’s recent aquatic development.

Athletics (November 17–20, 2025)

The athletics team, which includes some of Guyana’s most accomplished track and field athletes, will be coached by Quincy Clarke.

The lineup includes Leslain Baird (Javelin), Emanuel Archibald (100m, Long Jump, 4x100m), Noelex Holder (200m, 4x100m), Akeem Stewart (100m, 4x100m), Revon Williams (400m, 4x100m, 4x400m Mixed), Robert Marcus (200m, 4x100m), Simeon Adams (400m, Mixed 4x400m), Aliyah Abrams (400m, Mixed 4x400m), Keliza Smith (100m/200m, Mixed 4x400m), Kenisha Phillips (200m alternate), and Natricia Hooper (Triple Jump).

Strengthening Ties Through Sports Diplomacy

Guyana’s participation in the 2025 Islamic Solidarity Games comes on the heels of His Excellency President Dr. Irfaan Ali’s visit to Riyadh for the 9th Future Investment Initiative (FII) Forum, held from October 27–30, 2025, under the theme “The Key to Prosperity — Unlocking New Frontiers of Growth.”

The timing of Guyana’s presence at both the FII Forum and the ISSA Games underscores the strengthening of Guyana–Saudi Arabia relations, not only in the areas of investment and economic collaboration but also through sport.

The Games, therefore, hold deeper meaning for Guyana, symbolizing both sporting excellence and diplomatic engagement.

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• Delroy Tyrell, Emanuel Archibald, Islamic Solidarity Games, Saudi Arabia, Shemar Britto

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