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.