Joint press statement by the Guyana Basketball Federation (GBF) and the Guyana Mixed Martial Arts Federation (GYMMAF)Michael Singh, 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, highlighting the President’s visionary leadership and unprecedented investment in sports development as key reasons for his support.With national elections set for September 1, Singh believes that Guyana’s sporting future, particularly in basketball and mixed martial arts, will benefit immensely from another term under President Ali’s stewardship.“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 a staggering G$21.61 billion toward sports development, an unmatched level of funding in the country’s history.The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport saw its budget grow from $805.3 million in 2020 to a record $8 billion in 2025.Singh noted that such investment reflects a deep understanding of sport’s power to unify communities, empower youth, and elevate Guyana’s international presence.As a long-serving head of the GBF, Singh praised the direct impact of government backing on basketball’s resurgence in Guyana.“Under President Ali, we’ve seen new courts built and old ones brought back to life across the country. That kind of infrastructure sets the stage for real grassroots and national development,” Singh said.He added that the national basketball teams have received full government funding to participate in international competitions which was practically non-existent before 2020.In addition, Singh spotlighted the Government-sponsored One Guyana Basketball League, describing it as a landmark achievement for the sport.Looking forward, Singh said the GBF is aiming to secure three new indoor facilities to support youth academies and club-level competitions, two mini-buses to provide transportation for school, academy, and senior players across regions, comprehensive medical insurance for players and referees, and a professional basketball league modeled after the CPL, with salary caps designed to attract top-tier regional talent.Meanwhile, although newly elected as president of the GYMMAF, Singh is already laying out ambitious plans for the sport’s growth, putting forward plans he believes can be realized with continued support from the Ali administration.“MMA in Guyana is on the cusp of a breakout,” Singh said.“With government backing, we can equip gyms for academy to senior pro level training, implement healthcare and insurance coverage, and provide recovery amenities like cold plunge pools and saunas.”For Singh, endorsing President Ali is about continuity and vision.“This election is not just about politics, it’s about progress. And in President Ali, we have a leader who sees sport not as a pastime, but as a pillar of national development,” he said.According to Singh, both the International Mixed Martial Arts Federation and the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) are closely monitoring Guyana’s development across various sectors and are expected to play a significant role 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 cement Guyana’s rise as a sporting nation to watch.The post GBF and GYMMAF president endorses President Ali for second term appeared first on News Room Guyana.