Michael Singh, the president of both the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) and the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GYMMAF), has publicly endorsed His Excellency President Mohamed Irfaan Ali for a second term as Head of State. Singh highlights the President’s visionary leadership and significant investments in sports development as key reasons for his support.
With national elections approaching on September 1, Singh believes that the future of sports in Guyana, particularly in basketball and mixed martial arts, would greatly benefit from another term under President Ali’s leadership.
“Over the past five years, we’ve witnessed a level of government support for sports that is truly historic,” Singh stated. “President Ali has not only built infrastructure but has built hope. His administration’s investment has created a foundation for sustainable growth across multiple disciplines.”
Since taking office in 2020, President Ali’s government has allocated an unprecedented G$21.61 billion toward sports development, marking a significant increase in funding for the sector. The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport’s budget has grown from G$805.3 million in 2020 to a record G$8 billion in 2025.
Singh emphasized that this investment reflects a deep understanding of the power of sports to unify communities and empower youth, while also enhancing Guyana’s international standing. He praised the direct benefits of government support on the resurgence of basketball in the country.
“Under President Ali, we’ve seen new courts constructed and old ones revitalized across the nation. That kind of infrastructure sets the stage for grassroots and national development,” Singh remarked. He also noted that the national basketball teams have received full government funding for international competitions, a practice that was virtually non-existent before 2020.
Additionally, Singh highlighted the Government-sponsored One Guyana Basketball League as a landmark achievement for the sport.
Looking ahead, the GBF aims to establish three new indoor facilities to support youth academies and club competitions, acquire two mini-buses for player transportation, provide comprehensive medical insurance for players and referees, and create a professional basketball league modeled after the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
As the newly elected president of GYMMAF, Singh is already outlining ambitious plans for the sport’s growth, including equipping gyms for all levels of training and implementing healthcare and insurance coverage for athletes.
“MMA in Guyana is on the cusp of a breakout,” Singh asserted. “With government backing, we can provide recovery amenities like cold plunge pools and saunas.”
For Singh, endorsing President Ali represents a commitment to continuity and vision. “This election is not just about politics; it’s about progress. In President Ali, we have a leader who views sports as a pillar of national development,” he concluded.
Singh noted that both the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) are closely monitoring Guyana’s development and are expected to play significant roles in advancing the country’s sports landscape.
With basketball and MMA poised for continued growth, Singh believes that a second term for President Ali would further solidify Guyana’s status as a sporting nation to watch.
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