Japan satisfied with arrangements for Asiad
By Lal Gunesekera
Certain officials of the Japan Rugby Football Union (JRFU) were in
Sri Lanka and were satisfied with all arrangements (including security)
for the Asian Championship to be staged at three venues (Longden Place,
Sugathadasa Stadium and Royal College Sports Complex) from November 17
to 25.
Japan who are defending champs for Asia cup, withdrew from the
Singer-SriLankan International 7's scheduled to be staged at Nittawela
next month (September) citing domestic competitions.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football
Union (SLRFU) Dilroy Fernando, told the Sunday Observer that the
Japanese officials who were in Colombo made an assessment and were happy
with all the arrangements, including security forces personnel in charge
of security for all sides at the Asiad.
Fernando said that the Japanese checked the venues as well as
training grounds, gymnasiums that they (Japan) were to use, in addition
to the route to the venues (timing etc) from the Hotel, which is the
Galadari.
The Japanese even requested the Hotel authorities regarding their
meals and the menues too were suggested. They also requested an entire
floor for the Japanese team and delegation.
Japan together with South Korea and Hong Kong figure in the Cup
category with the winners representing Asia at next year's (2007) Rugby
World Cup Finals in France.
Authorities of the Hong Kong RFU too had got in touch with the SLRFU
regarding the security situation in the country, but were also satisfied
with the arrangements made.
Japan take on Hong Kong on November 19, Hong Kong meets South Korea
on November 22 and Japan battle South Korea on November 25.
Sri Lanka play in the Plate category with Arabian Gulf, China,
Chinese Taipei, Singapore and Thailand, while the nations in the Bowl
category are Malaysia, India, Pakistan and Iran with Kazakhstan yet to
confirm.
Colombo hosted the Asiad earlier in 1974 and 1990.
The main sponsors of the Asiad this year are Singer with Sri Lanka
Telecom (Mobitel), Toyota and Ceylon Cold Stores as the co-sponsors,
while the specific sponsors are Galadari Hotel (official Hotel for the
Asiad), Zeppelin, Carlsberg, SriLankan Airlines, HemTours, Casilan 90,
Excel World and John Keells Office Automatives (Pvt) Ltd.
Inter-Provincial C'ship
Meanwhile, the Inter-Provincial Championship figuring four sides (Defence,
Central, Southern and Western) will be worked off from September 23 to
October 7 with games scheduled to be staged in Kandy or Radella,
Kurunegala and Galle with the final in Colombo. Fernando also said that
this tournament will serve as a trial for November's Asiad with a squad
being picked soon after the Inter-Provincial tourney. He further
disclosed that Pavithra Fernando has withdrawn his letter of resignation
from the national pool and has made himself available for selection.
Regarding the withdrawal of 12 players from Kandy Sports Club from
the national pool in protest about Nalaka Weerakoddy being suspended,
Fernando said that there are plenty of other players available to fill
the gasps. No one is indispensable.
Singer Professional 7s
The second-leg of the Singer Professional 7's will be staged in
Ratgama, Galle on August 26 and 27 with prize money totalling Rs.
500,000/= made available. Twenty-four teams will compete for honours. |