Guyana is proudly participating in the 6th Edition of the Islamic Solidarity Sports Association (ISSA) Games, currently underway in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from November 5–21, 2025.
Following its debut at the inaugural event in 2005, Guyana has once again fielded a strong and competitive contingent at this prestigious multisport competition, which brings together athletes from over 57 member states of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).
The Games officially opened with a spectacular Opening Ceremony on Thursday evening, featuring a vibrant cultural display and a parade of athletes and officials from all participating nations. Guyana’s delegation proudly entered the stadium led by flag bearers Chelsea Edghill and Shemar Britton.
Swimming
Guyana’s swimming campaign is being led by Delroy Tyrrell, who made his international debut Saturday in the 50m Butterfly and 50m Freestyle events.
In his first event, the 50m Butterfly, Tyrrell finished 23rd with a time of 26.61. Competing again just twenty minutes later in the 50m Freestyle, he appeared more composed, clocking 24.97 to place 24th. His second race showed noticeable improvement and highlighted his potential to perform at this level.
Tyrrell was scheduled to return to the pool Saturday for the 100m Backstroke (Heat 2 at 10:12 a.m.), before concluding his participation in the 50m Backstroke (Heat 2 at 10:23 a.m.) on November 11.
Table Tennis
In table tennis, Guyana’s men’s and women’s teams began their campaigns earlier Saturday under a new format in which the first team to eight games wins the match. Each tie consists of three matches, unless one team reaches eight games first.
The women’s team, led by Chelsea Edghill, opened play against top-seeded Egypt in Group A. In doubles, Edghill and Jasmine Billingy faced Abdelrazek Yousra Ashraf and Abdelhalim Hend Mohamed Fathy, winning the first game 11–8 before narrowly losing the next two, 11–9 and 11–6.
Thuraia Thomas was next on court against Marwa Hesham Ismail Alhodaby, losing in straight sets 11–3, 11–2, 11–3. Edghill then dominated her singles match against Mohamed Fathy Abdelhalim, taking the first two games 11–2 and 11–9, before dropping the third 11–9.
With the match score standing at Egypt 6, Guyana 3, Billingy faced Alhodaby in the final tie, losing 11–2, 11–2, as Egypt secured an 8–3 victory. Despite the loss, it was a commendable showing against one of the tournament’s strongest teams. The women next face Kyrgyzstan tomorrow at 10:00 a.m. to decide second place in their group.
The men’s team—featuring Shemar Britton, Nigel Bryan, and Elishaba Johnson—opened against top-seeded Algeria in Group C.
In doubles, Bryan and Britton fell to Jeliouli Milhane Amine and Bella Maheidine in straight games 11–4, 11–7, 11–8. Johnson was next against Bouloussa Mehdi, losing 11–8, 11–5, 11–7, while Britton fought hard but went down 11–8, 11–6 to Amine. Algeria took the tie 8–0.
The men’s team returns to the table tomorrow at 1:00 p.m. against Uganda for a shot at finishing second in their group.
Athletics Team to Join Next Week
Guyana’s athletics delegation will arrive in Riyadh on November 14, ahead of the start of the athletics events on November 17.
The team is under the leadership of Chef de Mission, Garfield Wiltshire.
