Taekwondo players show keen interest
by Leslie Fernando
Sri Lanka Taekwondo Federation formed a pool of 40 players and have
taken all steps for the improvement of the sport from last August in
view of the South Asian Games. Taekwondo is a new discipline included to
the games in Colombo and will be held at the St. Joseph's College Sports
Complex at Darley Road from August 25 to 27.
Kisu Lee, National Coach of the Sri Lanka Taekwondo Federation said
that forming and maintaining a 'pool' with wider participation of the
players from around the country and providing them with necessary
facilities is in the hands of the federation.
The 13 players to represent this new event was selected after a
series of trials. Sri Lanka, host country, included the event with the
aim of providing international exposure. The progress made by the
players from last year is pleasing and they are bound to achieve
success, said Lee who is in charge of coaching the national team, Sri
Lanka Army, STF players for a long period.
Players from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Nepal
and Afghanistan will participate. Sri Lanka will field 8 men and 5 women
players.
Men N. Ratnayake (Pin weight class), S. Alahakoon (Fly weight), M.
Ranjiwa (Feather weight), W. P. Hettiarachchi (Bantam weight), T. L.
Weerathunga (Light weight), R. M. P. Rajapakse (Welter weight), G. G.
Kumara (Middle weight), R. Mudamudali (Heavy weight).
Women Nilanthi Kumari (Pin), A. L. G. Samanthi (Fly), P. Kalyani
Gomes (Bantam), Dinusha Happuarachchi (Feather), P. M. A. G. Sandamali
(Light). Lee, a South Korean expert in Taekwondo added that equipment
worth Rs. 1.3 million was received from South Korea through a fine
effort from the Ministry of Sports together with the National Committee
of Sri Lanka.
At the 2004 South Asian Federation Games held in Pakistan, Sri Lanka
Taekwondos won a silver and bronze in the individual events. Nepal
emerged overall champions and India were runners-up.
Lee added that Sri Lanka players who will be seen in action in the
said weight categories, are determined to do well. They hope to win two
gold medals.
Our players have shown a renewed interest in the sport. Regular
practice is very important. The discipline of Taekwondo, the body
fitness, physical and mental health also play important roles. It is
hoped more junior players will take to this sport. The development of
the sport depends on youth development programmes and the federation
should strive hard to popularise the game at grass roots level. |