The Jamaica Athletics Invitational (JAI), will not take place in 2025, according to Jamaica Athletics Administrative Association (JAAA) Treasurer Ludlow Watts.
In an exclusive interview with SportsMax.TV, Watts confirmed that the event would not proceed this year due to delays in organization and logistical hurdles.
“It can’t be held because there was a lot of late business taking place, so it won’t be on,” Watts stated.
“It won’t be on this year—let’s put it that way.”
Organizers launched the JAI to succeed the Jamaica International Invitational, a renowned 2004–2018 meet that suffered frequent postponements.
Rebranded in April 2024, JAI relaunched with major sponsor support, including PUMA and JMD$10 million from Jamaica’s Sports Ministry. The first edition took place on May 11, 2024, at Kingston’s National Stadium, featuring elite athletes in 14 events.
Last year’s meet attracted top athletes like Tobi Amusan, Julien Alfred, and U.S. stars Fred Kerley, Abby Steiner, Aleia Hobbs. British sprint star Dina Asher-Smith and Japan’s Abdul Hakim Sani Brown also graced the track, reinforcing the event’s international appeal. Just as he was poised to break out, an injury halted Jaydon Hibbert’s triple jump season.
The star-studded 2024 lineup raised expectations that the JAI would become a permanent fixture on the global athletics calendar. However, its abrupt cancellation for 2025 has left athletes, sponsors, and fans disillusioned.
With the JAI sidelined, Jamaica’s track and field landscape loses a major competitive platform for both local and international athletes. The Grand Slam Track debut in Kingston brought excitement, but the JAI’s absence leaves a major gap in professional athletics.
Watts confirmed the 2025 cancellation, but officials have not yet announced whether they will bring the event back in 2026. Stakeholders may use this hiatus to reassess the meet’s structure, sponsorship model, and scheduling to ensure long-term sustainability.
