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| Sunday, 23 November 2003 |
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Controlling bodies must find funds for board and lodging at SAF Games by LESLIE FERNANDO Sri Lanka will participate in 15 disciplines at thrice postponed South Asian Federation (SAF) Games to be held from March 29 to April 7, 2004 in Islamabad, Pakistan. The disciplines are: Athletics, Boxing, Soccer, Badminton, Karate, Kabaddi, Taekwondo, Rifle Shooting, Table Tennis, Squash, Swimming, Wrestling, Yatching, Weightlifting and Volleyball. A spokesman for the Ministry of Sports said that Johnston Fernando, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports has informed the respective officials of the 15 sports controlling bodies that finances to maintain the SAF Games pools will not be provided. Millions were set aside on three occasions for SAF Games pool and it was a utter wastage of government funds said the official. The Sports Minister has informed the various controlling bodies to find own finances to maintain the SAF Games pool. Furthermore, the Sports Ministry will only provide air tickets for the selected competitors (around 200) but other finances required for board and lodging in Islamabad will also have to be found by the respective controlling bodies. It is estimated that around Rupees one lakh is needed per competitor for participation at the SAF Games. A competitor will have to spend at least Rs. 2,000 per day in Pakistan for lodging and food. Meanwhile the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka has advised the heads of the respective controlling bodies to finalise their team list to represent Sri Lanka by the end of February 2004. The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka has already named a SAF Games selection committee: K. L. F. Wijedasa (Chairman), Hemasiri Fernando, President NOC, H. U. Silva, Secretary NOC, Eraj Wijesinghe, Vice-President NOC and Ms. Tamara Dharmakeerthi Herath (Chairperson of Interim Committee of Netball Federation of Sri Lanka). The 9th edition of the SAF Games were to be held from March 29 to April 7 this year in Islamabad, Pakistan but the Pakistan Government decided to postpone because of the war. |
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