Malik James-King's journey to becoming Jamaica's 400m hurdles national champion is a story of grit, determination, and unwavering resolve.

Battling through personal and professional challenges, James-King's triumph at the JAAA National Senior Championships –on his birthday nonetheless –not only secured him a first national title, but also earned him a coveted spot on Jamaica's team to this summer's Paris Olympic Games.

James-King produced a stunning performance to upset the more fancied World Championships finalist Roshawn Clarke and in the process, became the second fastest Jamaican in history with a breathtaking personal best 47.42 seconds. 

The fact that his previous personal best was 48.39s tells the remarkable story of James-King's progress, as he demonstrates that perseverance can overcome even the most daunting obstacles. He is now ranked only behind Roshawn Clarke’s national record 47.34 seconds set at the World Athletics Championships last year.

"It’s been a tough road, there were moments when I thought I wouldn’t make it this far, but I always believed in myself and the process," James-King told SportsMax.TV.

"Once you tell yourself you can do something, then it is very much possible because I honestly came out knowing I was going to run 47. I just wasn't sure if it would be 47 low or high, so I am just going to go back to the drawing board and get my mind more focused because I think I can run faster," he added.

The atmosphere at the National Stadium was electric on Friday as fans eagerly anticipated the men's and women's 100 finals, but James-King celebrating his 25th birthday, had a lot to prove and he delivered in fine style to whet the spectators appetites ahead of the main events.

Though left a bit back in the opening phase of the race, the diminutive athlete surged ahead in the closing stages, each hurdle he cleared was not just a step towards the finish line, but a symbolic overcoming of the hurdles he had faced in life. When he crossed the finish line, the crowd erupted in cheers, recognizing the monumental achievement of a new national champion.

James-King bettered Clarke (48.04s), who was overwhelmingly favoured to defend his national title, and Commonwealth Games silver medallist Jaheel Hyde (48.35s).

"I didn't panic and I wasn't concerned either (when Clarke and Hyde went out fast). I was actually focusing on clearing each hurdle, so I was just focusing on my lane and my execution and not any of my competitors," James-King declared.

"I know the closing stages of the race is when I am strongest, so I just used that to my advantage and came home strong. I really need to work on the first 200m of my race though, it is a little bit too slow and the other guys are really fast in that period. So I'll be working on that going forward," he noted.

James-King credits much of his National Championships success to the invaluable lessons learned during his maiden Diamond League outing. Competing against some of the best athletes in the world, he gained insights that transformed his approach to the sport. He placed fifth in 49.51s at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon. 

Prior to that, he clocked 48.39s to win at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational, and 49.09s at the Loas Angeles Grand Prix.

"The Diamond League was a game-changer for me. Competing at that level showed me what it takes to be among the best. The experience taught me about strategy, mental toughness, and the importance of consistency," James-King shared.

The former Calabar stalwart noted that observing and racing against seasoned athletes provided him with a deeper understanding of the nuances of the 400m hurdles. The exposure to different techniques and race strategies, he said was a eye-opener to refine his own approach, leading to improved performance.

"It was kind of scary because it was the first time coming out of my comfort zone, learning that these guys, they don't respect anyone and they're not afraid to run. So the first time running the Diamond League, I was like, they're way faster than me, they're way stronger than me, and they're more focused. 

"When I observe how they warm up, how they do everything, I was like, oh, damn, I'm not doing anything (to be at the level that they are). So I literally came back, talked to my management and support team and they were like, alright, so you know what you need to do. So there was a lot of buckling down, and a lot of focus, and I just came in here and just did what my coach said I could do," James-King revealed.

With a national title now to his credit, the Titans Track Club representative has already shifted focus to the Paris Olympic Games. Securing a spot on Jamaica's Olympic team is a dream come true for the young hurdler, but he is far from complacent.

"Winning the national title is just the beginning. I'm a lot more focused now and this (win) is a big motivation going forward. As I said, I'm not sure what the future holds, but I'm working to go to the finals at the Olympics. My preparation will be a lot more intense, a lot more watching videos of my performances to see where I can improve, and just going back to the joint board to work on strengthening the weak areas of my race," James-King ended.

2019 World Championship silver medallist Danniel Thomas-Dodd secured her ninth national title in the shot put on day three of the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Saturday.

The 2018 Commonwealth Games champion produced a season’s best 19.32m to win ahead of Lloydricia Cameron (17.62m) and Danielle Sloley (13.55m).

Thomas-Dodd will be heading to her third Olympic Games.

The 31-year-old failed to make it out of the qualifying round in Rio in 2016 and Tokyo in 2021 and is hoping to go further in Paris.

“The number one aim is to make it to the finals and give myself a fair chance of putting together something nice,” she said.

“I know for sure it’s definitely going to take over 20m to get myself on the podium so my coach came to me and asked me to get 19.3 at the national championships. It’s definitely a step in the right direction,” she added.

Shericka Jackson claimed her third consecutive national 100m title on day two of the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Friday.

The two-time World 200m champion produced a season’s best 10.84 to take top spot ahead of 19-year-old Tia Clayton who ran 10.90 to finish second after running a personal best 10.86 to get to the final.

Two-time Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce booked a spot at her fifth Olympic Games with 10.94 in third.

The top six was rounded out by Shashalee Forbes (11.04), Kemba Nelson (11.14) and Alana Reid (11.14).

“I’m feeling good. I just wanted to qualify and I did so I’m okay,” Jackson told the media after her race.

“I only ran one 100m before these championships and my 200m haven’t been the best but you just have to trust the process and I’m here today,” she added.

On the Men’s side, Kishane Thompson delivered on the promise he showed in both the heats on Thursday and the semi-finals earlier on Friday with a personal best and world leading 9.77 to win his maiden national 100m title.

Oblique Seville ran 9.82 to take second while Ackeem Blake ran a season’s best 9.92 in third.

Bryan Levell (10.04), Jelani Walker (10.04) and Jehlani Gordon (10.07) rounded out the top six in the final.

In the Under-20 100m finals, Edwin Allen’s Theianna-Lee Terrelonge ran a brilliant personal best 11.13 to win the girls final ahead of Muschett High’s Shanoya Douglas (11.28) and Lacovia’s Sabrina Dockery (11.29).

The boys equivalent was won by Gary Card of Wolmer’s Boys in a brilliant personal best of 10.07, the second fastest time ever by a Jamaican junior.

Herbert Morrison Technical’s Deandre Daley ran 10.16 for second while Kingston College’s Nyrone Wade was third in 10.36.

Malik James-King produced a stunning performance to win his maiden national 400m hurdles title on day two of the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Friday.

James-King became the second fastest Jamaican in the history of the event with a massive personal best 47.42, almost a full second faster than his previous personal best of 48.39 done earlier this season, to claim the win.

National and World junior record holder and World Championship finalist Roshawn Clarke ran 48.04 in second while Commonwealth Games silver medallist Jaheel Hyde ran 48.35 for third.

“I just executed my race as best as I could,” James-King said after his stunning performance.

“I was just focusing on how I train, taking every hurdle as they come. I wasn’t really watching anyone and just running my race,” he added.

Regarding the time, James-King said he’s more excited than surprised.

Clarke was happy to get on his first Olympic team.

“The strategy tonight was to execute as best I could, get myself in the top three and make the team and work from there,” he said.

“I wanted to go faster but I made the team so I can’t complain,” he added.

Two-time World Championships bronze medallist Rushell Clayton continued her fantastic form this season with a massive personal best to claim her second national 400m hurdles title on day two of the JAAA National Senior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Friday.

Clayton ran a brilliant 52.51, the second fastest time ever by a Jamaican, to add to her national title back in 2019.

Her previous personal best was 52.81 set at last year’s World Championships in Budapest.

Five-time national champion Janieve Russell will be going to her third Olympic Games after running a season’s best 53.33 in second while Shiann Salmon will be heading to her first Olympic Games after running a personal best 53.71 for third.

Clayton's time was just outside of Melaine Walker's national record 52.42 set at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.

Kishane Thompson produced a stunning performance in the heats of the Men’s 100m on day one of the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Thursday.

The Stephen Francis-coached sprinter produced a personal best 9.82, the joint, second fastest time in the world this year, to win the second heat. Ackeem Blake also went below 10 seconds for the first time this season with 9.95 to finish second behind Thompson in that heat and advance.

Sandrey Davison (10.00) and Sachin Dennis (10.04) both also made it through to Friday’s semi-finals from heat two after producing new personal bests while Nigel Ellis was the fifth semi-finalist from that heat with a time of 10.13.

Oblique Seville, who produced fourth place finishes at both the 2022 and 2023 World Championships, looked super comfortable on his way to 9.98 to win heat one ahead of Bryan Levell (10.07) and Jehlani Gordon (10.09). Levell’s time is a new personal best.

Julian Forte produced a confident 10.00 to win the third heat ahead of defending National champion Rohan Watson (10.07) and Tyquendo Tracey (10.09). Jazeel Murphy produced a personal best 10.11 to also make it through from that heat alongside Travis Williams whose 10.13 was also enough to make it through.

2023 World Championship finalist Ryiem Forde won the fourth and final heat in 10.02 ahead of Kadrian Goldson (10.12) and Jelani Walker (10.21).

The semi-finals and final are scheduled for Friday.

Two-time Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and two-time World 200m champion Shericka Jackson officially got their bids to make it to the Paris Olympics underway by getting through to the semi-finals of the Women’s 100m on day one of the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Thursday.

Fraser-Pryce, in her second race of the season, eased to a season’s best time of 10.98 to advance to Friday’s semi-finals as the fastest qualifier.

Tia Clayton ran a personal best 11.02 to also advance from Fraser-Pryce’s heat while Ashanti Moore ran 11.24 in third to also advance.

Jackson also looked in cruise control, jogging to a season’s best 10.99 to win her heat. Jodean Williams came agonizingly close to dipping below the 11-second barrier for the first time with a personal best 11.01 in second while Alana Reid also advanced with 11.20 in third. Niesha Burgher's 11.32 was also enough to take her through.

The third heat produced five semi-finalists with Natasha Morrison (11.12), Kemba Nelson (11.16), Shockoria Wallace (11.24), Briana Williams (11.25) and Lanae-Tava Thomas (11.27) all getting through to the semis.

Shashalee Forbes (11.03), Krystal Sloley (11.12), Tina Clayton (11.13) and Jonielle Smith (11.23) advanced to the semi-finals from heat four.

The semi-finals and final are scheduled for Friday.

Defending National champion Sean Bailey will get an opportunity to make it two in a row after successfully advancing to the final of the Men’s 400m on day one of the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Thursday.

Bailey was the only man in the semi-finals to go below 45 seconds when he ran 44.95 to win his heat ahead of NCAA Championships bronze medallist Jevaughn Powell (45.00) and World Championship finalist Demish Gaye (45.18).

Raheem Hayles (45.55) and Anthony Cox (45.98) both made it through to the final from heat two.

Reigning World Champion Antonio Watson was also in this heat but pulled up with a calf injury about 120 metres into the race.

The first heat was won by Deandre Watkin in 45.19 ahead of Zandrion Barnes (45.34) and national record holder Rusheen McDonald (45.60). 

World Championship finalist and national record holder Roshawn Clarke and Malik James-King led all qualifiers to the final of the Men’s 400m hurdles final on day one of the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston on Thursday.

James-King, who ran a personal best 48.39 at the Jamaica Athletics Invitational in May, was the fastest qualifier on Thursday with a fast 48.68 to win his semi-final.

Clarke, who finished fourth at last year’s World Championships in Budapest, was the second fastest qualifier with 49.06 to win his semi-final while the third semi-final was won by 2014 National champion Roxroy Cato in 49.48.

The other finalists include Assinie Wilson (49.88), Jaheel Hyde (50.02), Antonio Forbes (50.39), Robin Black (50.45) and Demar Murray (50.54).

The final is scheduled for Friday.

Chairman of the Organizing Committee for the JAAA National Senior and Junior Championships, Ludlow Watts, expects this year’s edition of the championships to be the “best ever” in terms of competitiveness.

This year’s championships are set to get underway on Thursday, June 27 at the National Stadium in Kingston and run until Sunday, June 30.

According to Watts, over 680 athletes in both the junior and senior categories have entered ahead of Thursday’s start.

The days, start times and end times (Jamaica time) are as follows:

Thursday, June 27 9:00am-8:45pm, Friday, June 28 9:30am-9:58pm, Saturday, June 29 9:48am-7:45pm, Sunday, June 30 10:01am-8:05pm.

The opening ceremony will be held at 6:00pm on Friday.

“We expect to have tremendous support,” Watts said at a press conference on Monday hosted by the Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA).

He also acknowledged concerns fans may have about a number of Jamaica’s top athletes ahead of the meet but noted that, as of now, nobody of note has pulled out.

“A number of people have been having concerns about some of our star athletes. We are not aware of any withdrawals as yet,” he said.

“People must try not to miss these championships because they will probably be the best ever in terms of competitiveness. A number of young stars are emerging and I think it makes it interesting,” Watts added.

 Among the events expected to be the most competitive are the men's and women's 100m finals. On the men's side, while Oblique Seville is the only Jamaican to run below 10 seconds this year with his 9.82 at the Racers Grand Prix, 18 Jamaican men have already run faster than 10.20 this season heading into the championships.

The women's side is also expected to be more competitive than it's been in a long time due to some questions about the readiness of Jamaica's big three- Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Shericka Jackson and Elaine Thompson-Herah- coming into the championships.

Fraser-Pryce is coming off a knee procedure and made her season debut just nine days ago at the JAAA Olympic French Foray with 11.15. Jackson has looked far from her best so far this season. She has had a pair of wins on the Diamond league circuit in the 200m with times of 22.82 in Marrakech and 22.69 in Stockholm as well as a fifth place finish in 22.97 in Oslo. In her only 100m of the season, Jackson ran 11.03 at the JAAA All Comers meet on May 4.

Thompson-Herah, the reigning double Olympic champion, is the biggest question mark coming into the championships. In her two races this season, she has finished last both times with 11.30 at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene and 11.48 at the USATF New York Grand Prix. After the race in New York, sha had to be carried off the track with an Achilles injury, the same injury that hampered her 2023 season as well.

With the big three seeming as vulnerable as ever, a number of contenders will fancy themselves to knock them off the podium at these championships and secure their spot on the team to the Paris Olympics.

A 16th minute strike by Shamar Nicholson proved the difference as Jamaica's senior Reggae Boyz edged Dominican Republic 1-0 to open their Concacaf World Cup qualifying account on a positive note at the National Stadium on Thursday.

Nicholson’s strike, his 17th international goal and third in World Cup qualifiers, highlighted an unsatisfactory evening for Heimir Hallgrimsson’s side, as the defence was at times vulnerable, while the wasteful attacking front was marred by a lack of composure and poor decision-making in the final third. This was much to the disappointment of the sizeable crowd which surprisingly turned out despite the early kickoff and rainfall.

Still, for Hallgrimsson, the most important outcome was securing the three points, which propelled the Boyz to second in Group E on three points, same as leaders Guatemala, who hammered Dominica 6-0 in their opening clash on Wednesday.

“We should have finished it off, but when you are winning 1-0, it's always uncomfortable because then it only needs a corner or a freekick and the ball goes in. So you never kind of feel relaxed, but we should have killed the game off with the chances we got. Apart from that, it (our performance) was below par, and we can do much better than we did today,” Hallgrimsson said in a post-game interview.

“But given a lot of these players are coming back from not playing, it was kind of given that some of them would not be ready for a competitive match right away. We can for sure improve from this performance, but the most important thing is that we got the win and we kept a clean sheet,” he added.

After a cagey start by both teams, the Jamaicans eventually showed some attacking intent in the 12th minute through the fleet-footed Renaldo Cephas, who utilised his pace to good effect to breach Dominican Republic's defence, but he couldn't get on target at that point.

Dominican Republic tried to play their game, through steady and penetrative build ups, and it was one of those attempts to open up in attack that allowed the Jamaicans to break the deadlock on the counter. This, as Cephas won possession on the break and left the last defender in his wake on his way into the 18-yard box where he played a pass across goal to Nicholson, who applied a cool finish beyond custodian Miguel Lloyd.

The Boyz tried to press the ascendancy from there, but were unable to make their dominance in possession count, as their star man Michail Antonio was subjected to heavy physical treatment throughout. In fact, the Jamaicans next best chance of the first half was courtesy of Bobby Reid's 33rd-minute freekick from just outside the 18-yard box, which went just wide of the left upright.

Much like they did at the start, both teams were again slow into rhythm on the resumption, as both lacked enterprise in their build ups, and as such, failed to create anything meaningful in the attacking third.

It was until the 72nd minute that the Jamaicans again came to life when Cephas’s blistering pace down the left channel forced Luiyi De Lucas to take fell him inside the danger area and gift the Jamaicans a penalty. However, Reid couldn't make the 12-yard kick count as his effort went at a decent height for Lloyd to parry.

Eight minutes later, Reid again unleashed Cephas, who had Deshane Beckford alongside him in a two-on-one counter, but the former selfishly hogged possession and inevitably had his tame effort blocked by the advancing Lloyd.

Though they continued to threatening in a sustained attacking spell in the latter stages of the contest, the Jamaicans were found wanting in the decision-making which robbed them of any real opportunity to add to their tally.

Hallgrimsson, obviously under no illusions, acknowledged some flaws that he hopes to address heading into Sunday’s encounter away to Dominica.  

It should be placed in the context that the Icelandic coach was without a number of his first choice players –Demarai Gray, Amari’i Bell, Joel Latibeaudiere, Ethan Pinnock, Andre Blake and Dujuan Richards –due to injury, while Leon Bailey remains unavailable. Hence, the Boyz looked unimpressive.

“We were very slow. Everything that we did was low tempo. I think in the second half it got better, we created more chances with buildup play and creation, but in general, it was too slow for my taste. These strikers, for example, with all their individual quality, are not used to playing in a two striker formation,” Hallgrimsson reasoned.

“So we just need time to get them to sink a little bit better. But in general with the ball, we were not good. Slow tempo, even defending first half was slow tempo, so we gave them the time that they needed to be good. So I would just say we need to up the tempo in everything that we are doing. But you are correct, attacking decision-making is not good enough,” he noted.

Jamaican Stacey-Ann Williams and Nigerian Emmanuel Bamidele emerged victorious in the women’s and men’s 400m, respectively, at the Racers Grand Prix at the National Stadium in Kingston on Saturday.

Williams reeled in American Lynna Irby-Jackson in the final stages of the race to win in 50.86. Irby-Jackson’s time in second was 51.05 while Charokee Young was third in 51.86.

“It has been a season of many ups and downs so to get the win tonight, it feels pretty good. I’m excited about the time. It’s a stepping stone to national trials,” Williams said after the race.

Williams says there are still things she needs to work on before she can compete with the top runners in the world.

“There’s always things to work on. The times for the other women are way ahead and I feel like I want to be where they are so I have so many things to work on going forward,” she said.

The men’s equivalent was won by Nigeria’s Bamidele, the 2023 NCAA 400m champion, in 45.49, narrowly ahead of reigning national 400m hurdles champion Roshawn Clarke who ran a season’s best 45.57 in second and Zandrion Barnes who ran 45.62 for third.

“I think the preparation for me is the same. I have the same mindset; the same goals. I’m trying to get better every single day,” Bamidele said after the race.

“I’m trying to learn from my mistakes in every race. I’m hoping to break my personal best before the end of the season,” he added.

For the second year in a row, Shiann Salmon took top spot in the women’s 400m hurdles at the Racers Grand Prix at the National Stadium in Kingston on Saturday.

Salmon, a silver medallist at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, produced 55.41 to win on Saturday ahead of 2015 World Championship bronze medallist Cassandra Tate (55.60) and 2017 Jamaican national champion Ronda Whyte who ran a season’s best 56.19.

“I’m very happy. The conditions were not as I expected them but I came out here and I did the best that I could with it,” Salmon said after the race.

“It was much windier than I expected it to be but my aim was to win and I did just that so I’m pleased," Salmon added.

Heading into the Jamaican trials from June 27-30, Salmon says she is where she wants to be at this point in the season.

“I’m definitely where I’m supposed to be. I’ve already done 54.2 this season and it’s the fastest I’ve ever gone before trials. Trials are about three weeks away and I’m ready,” she said.

Adrian Reid Jr’s consistent showing throughout the recently-concluded Jamaica Premier League (JPL) has been rewarded with a senior team call-up, as Reggae Boyz Head coach Heimir Hallgrimsson named a 26-man squad for the upcoming Concacaf World Cup qualifying fixture against Dominican Republic at the National Stadium on June 6.

Reid Jr’s inclusion comes as Hallgrimsson will be without a number of his first choice players –Demarai Gray, Amari’i Bell, Joel Latibeaudiere, Ethan Pinnock, Andre Blake and Dujuan Richards –due to injury, while Leon Bailey remains unavailable.  

The 17-year-old Reid Jr, who assisted Cavalier to the JPL title, has represented Jamaica at the youth level, and is now on the cusp of following his father and former Reggae Boy Adrian Reid as senior team representatives.

Whether or not the central defender will be giving his debut, is left to be seen, as along with those injured, Hallgrimsson will also be without right-back Dexter Lembikisa and midfielder Kasey Palmer, who will both serve card suspensions for the opening World Cup qualifying contest.

After next Thursday’s game, the Reggae Boyz will then be on the road three days later for their second Group E fixture against Dominica.

The group also comprises British Virgin Islands and Guatemala.

Reggae Boyz Squad - Shaquan Davis, Jayden Hibbert, Coniah Boyce-Clarke, Jahmali Waite, Dexter Lembikisa, Di'Shon Bernard, Greg Leigh, Damion Lowe, Michael Hector, Richard King, Tayvon Gray, Jon Bell, Kasey Palmer, Karoy Anderson, Bobby Reid, Daniel Johnson, Alex Marshall, Adrian Reid Jr, Kevon Lambert, Shamar Nicholson, Renaldo Cephas, Michail Antonio, Deshane Beckford, Kaheim Dixon, Cory Burke, Devonte Campbell

In a decisive move to address longstanding issues with the lighting at the National Stadium, Sports Minister Olivia Grange announced that new lighting equipment costing JMD$15 million will arrive over the weekend and be installed promptly ahead of Jamaica's crucial FIFA World Cup qualifier against the Dominican Republic on June 6, 2024.

Minister Grange's statement underscores the urgency of the upgrade, as the current lighting conditions have been deemed inadequate by CONCACAF. The new lights, which will be installed on Tower Four and supplemented by additional lamps on the stadium canopy, are expected to significantly enhance the lighting, exceeding the minimum requirement of 1,000 lumens for international matches.

"The National Stadium lights over time have been less than optimal," Minister Grange stated. "Independence Park Limited has installed LED lights on Tower Four and some additional lamps on the canopy, pending further upgrades. This latest shipment of equipment, once installed, will improve the lighting substantially."

The minister also acknowledged the aging infrastructure of the National Stadium, which opened in 1962, and highlighted the lack of significant improvements over the years. The upcoming lighting upgrade is part of broader plans to revamp the stadium's infrastructure to meet modern standards.

Opposition Spokesman on Labour and Sports, Wavell Hinds, has been vocal about the inadequate lighting at the stadium, particularly highlighting the issue during the recent ISSA/GraceKennedy Boys’ and Girls’ Athletics Championships. Hinds noted that only 14 of the 144 bulbs on the light tower by the finish line were functioning, leaving much of the stadium in darkness.

Despite Minister Grange's assurance that the lighting was adequate, Hinds has renewed his call for immediate action, especially with the impending World Cup qualifier. He emphasized the potential inconvenience to fans if the match is rescheduled to an earlier time due to inadequate lighting.

"This situation is regrettable and will undoubtedly inconvenience supporters from Western Jamaica and others who planned to watch the match at the scheduled 6:30 p.m. start time," Hinds said. "Adjusting the game to an earlier time due to inadequate lighting would be unfair to these fans and disrupt their plans."

CONCACAF's concerns over the lighting at the National Stadium have necessitated urgent upgrades to avoid rescheduling the match to an earlier time, which would be detrimental to fan attendance and overall match experience. The upgrades are expected to be completed in time for the qualifier, ensuring the match proceeds as planned in the evening.

The lighting upgrade is just one step in the broader redevelopment plans for the National Stadium, with a complete overhaul of the lighting system being one of the top priorities. This initiative is part of the government's commitment to improving sports infrastructure and ensuring that Jamaica remains a viable host for regional and international events.