For the first time since the establishment of the Inter-Guyanese Games (IGG) in 1967, boxing has been included in the regional sporting event. During the matches on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Anthony Nesty Stadion, Suriname had to concede defeat to Guyana in all five bouts.
According to the foundation, the introduction of boxing at the IGG has shown that Suriname still has talented boxers, despite limited competition activity in recent years. The Surinamese participants even included athletes who had not previously entered the ring for a match. Stichting Truideman Sport en Studie in Beeld stresses that the participation should primarily be seen as an opportunity to rebuild boxing and offer young talents more opportunities.
Guyana wins all five bouts
The Guyanese boxers dominated the encounter and won all five matches. Josh Chester defeated Surinamese boxer Shane Karijoikromo on points, while Akella Macey secured victory after Chidera Williams had to withdraw from the bout.
Ken Harvey also recorded a victory. The referee ended his bout against Migael Janki prematurely. Kenisha Klass then won by technical knockout (TKO) against Ameya Mangal. In the final bout, Ryan Rogers defeated Surinamese boxer Zahir Timpico on points. With these results, Guyana finished at the top of the boxing event, while Suriname won the silver medal.
Foundation sees opportunities for revival of boxing
Despite the five defeats, Stichting Truideman Sport en Studie in Beeld describes it as a historic milestone. According to the organisation, it is important that boxing has once again gained an international platform after a long period of limited activity.
The foundation hopes that participation in the IGG will lead to new boxing competitions, more training opportunities and better guidance for young athletes. It also points to the importance of structural support. Only by organising competitions regularly and giving talents the opportunity to gain competition experience can Surinamese boxing continue to develop.
Years of cooperation with Guyana
According to the foundation, the introduction of boxing during IGG 2026 is partly the result of years of cooperation between sports representatives from Suriname and Guyana. Special appreciation was expressed for Steve Ninvalle, Guyana’s Director of Sport, who has long been committed to cooperation between the two countries in the field of boxing.
The foundation also thanked the coordinators who have been involved since 2023 in strengthening cooperation with Guyana for their efforts. In addition, Stichting Truideman Sport en Studie in Beeld expressed its appreciation to the Ministry of Youth Development and Sport, Stichting Schoolsport Federatie Suriname and all coaches, officials, supervisors and athletes who contributed to the event.
First step towards sustainable development
For Stichting Truideman Sport en Studie in Beeld, participation in the IGG does not represent the end point, but rather the start of a new phase for Surinamese boxing. The organisation hopes that the historic debut will provide the impetus for a sustainable revival of the sport. Young people in particular should be given more opportunities to further develop through training, national competitions and international encounters.
The foundation stresses that cooperation between Suriname and Guyana will also remain important in the future in order to strengthen boxing in both countries. Although Guyana proved the stronger sporting side, the significance of this first participation for Suriname lies primarily, according to the foundation, in the fact that boxing is once again on the regional sports agenda.
