Sri Lanka offered to sponsor SASF meet

By Leslie Fernando

SWIMMING: The South Asia Swimming Federation (SASF) Executive Committee which met at the conclusion of the 6 day 1st South Asia Swimming and Waterpolo Championships at the board room of the Jinnah Stadium Sports Complex, Islamabad, Pakistan offered the opportunity to Sri Lanka to host the 2nd Championships in Colombo in 2009.

Julian Bolling, Director, Coaching and Shehan de Alwis, Manager of the Sri Lankan contingent represented Sri Lanka at the meeting. However, the Lankan duo were not prepared to give any confirmation without consulting the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union higher officials.

Varindra Nanavati, President of the South Asia Swimming Federation (SASF) who chaired the meeting said that the SASF will give two months time for Sri Lanka authorities to take a decision and inform the SASF whether they are in a position to host it or not.

Nanavati, who is also the President of the Indian Swimming Federation, said that India has to decline hosting due to various reasons. India will be hosting the Commonwealth Games in 2009 and the World Youth Games. In addition, the New Delhi swimming pool will be under reconstruction during that period.

Pune Swimming Association is willing to conduct it, but, the key factor is to find sponsors to have the meet.

If both Sri Lanka and India fail to host the meet we will come out to host the championships for the second time, said Kamran Lashari President, Pakistan Swimming Federation.