Are two officials needed for two swimmers?

By Leslie Fernando

Swimming: Is it necessary for two officials to accompany two swimmers for the World Swimming Championships to be held in Japan in April this year?

This is the talking point in swimming circles regarding the working of the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union the issue of four tickets by FINA - the World Controlling body for aquatic sports.

It has been the practice of FINA to offer tickets for use by the Asian countries to compete in international swimming meets.

These free tickets are offered to lesser-known countries in swimming in the Asian region.

According to a senior official of SLASU, two swimmers and two officials are to make the trip.

The question that is asked by knowledgeable, sources in swimming is whether a knowledgeable coach cannot act as manager of a small squad? Isn't it more profitable on the long run to send three swimmers and have the coach as manager of the team?

Last year, the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union did the same thing. Four tickets were offered to them for the same meet - the World Swimming Championships and two swimmers - Mayumi Raheem and Steffan Daniel made the trip to China for the World Championship Meet and two officials accompanied them - Azim Azzain (manager) and Mahes Karunaratne (coach).

So, there too a swimmer was deprived of a chance of swimming as a result of the second official going for the meet.

President of the Interim Committee, SLASU - DIG Sirisena Herath over to you for a solution - can't the coach also be the manager?