All must work together to get maximum results - D.G. of Sports

by Leslie FERNANDO

SOUTH ASIAN GAMES: I notice that Sri Lanka has fared badly at the 10th South Asian Games when compared to the 5th edition of the games. Both games were held in Colombo. At the 5th SAF Games in 1991, Sri Lanka won 44 gold medals and in the 10th SA Games in 2006 won 37 gold. Now all the sportsmen and sportswomen, coaches and officials must work diligently to help the country to win glory at the 11th South Asian Games to be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 29 to February 8.

Sports Associations must help our sportsmen and women in every possible way. These ideas were aired by Bandula Dahanayake, Director General of Sports - while addressing the ministry Co-ordinating officials appointed to sports associations. The meeting was held at the Department of Sports Development.

'News Bulletin' a timely need.... Sports Minister

Publishing news bulletins regarding the Games is a timely need for sports. This time the South Asian Games is celebrating 25 years. That too is important, It is necessary to talk about our sportsmen's and sportswomen's preparation for the Games, their needs and medical aspects. We should work hard to improve the participants' physical and mental needs. The News Bulletin is a good idea to keep all informed of the happenings in the association. Director General of Sports Bandula Dahanayake presented the "News Bulletin" to Gamini Lokuge, Minister of Sports and Public Recreation and Sports Ministry Secretary S. Liyanagama.

The Asian Olympic Committee has decided to hold a special meeting for the representatives of the National Olympic Committee of the eight participating countries. It will be held in Dhaka, Bangladesh. According to National Olympic Committee Chairman - Hemasiri Fernando during the meeting the appeals made by Olympic Committee will be taken into consideration and there will be discussion about organising of the South Asian Games.

The main venue is ready

The Dhaka Stadium has been named as 'Bangabandu National Stadium' in honour of Sheikh Majibur Rahman who is called the 'Father of Bangladesh'. The renovated stadium is the main SAG venue and some other venues nearby too are prepared for the Games.

At present the stadium hosts football matches. It can accommodate about 40,000 spectators. Till March 1st, 2005 it was cricket headquarters and Bangladesh's famous win over India was registered there on 26th December 2004. 'Bangabandu National Stadium' situated in the heart of Dhaka has fond memories of the country's sporting arena.

New technology in training

The training by Karate-do Federation is done at the Department of Sports Development. Residential training will soon begin. Ten men and eight women are training now. In 2006, Sri Lanka won four gold medals in Karate do. This time's aim is 10 gold medals. New technology is used during training. Secretary of the Federation W. Jayasundara said it won't be difficult to reach the target. This time there are five coaches - Chief Coach (Kata), H. M. Sisira Kumara, Assistant Coach (Kata): Mahesh Chandrakumara, Chief Coach (Kumite) T. C. Lokuge, Assistant Coach (Kumite) W. A. S. Soysa, Assistant Coach (Kumite) H. A. Gamini Wilson.

Expected medals in Karate -do in Dhaka - Individual kata women (gold), team kata women (gold), individual kumite women - 45kg (silver), 50kg (gold), 55kg (silver). Individual kata men (gold), team kata men (gold). Individual kumite men - 50kg (gold), 55kg (gold), 60 kg, (gold), 67kg (gold) and 75kg (gold).

Inspection Committee's observations

A special meeting regarding Sri Lanka's preparedness for the 11th SAG with the participation of relevant sports associations was held at the Olympic House recently. The following were discussed: Injustice caused to Sri Lanka with the removal of some events. Getting down necessary equipment and gear, receiving fees for training and technical problems.

3rd SAF Games in Culcutta-1987

The South Asian Federation Games came to India for the first time when Culcutta became the host city for the Games from 19 to 28th November 1987. Making the full use of the home conditions, the Indian gold haul went up to 91 out of their total 155 medals. Saman Rawath was the most impressive Indian female athlete with triple gold medals in 1,500 metres, 3,000 metres, 10,000 metres while P. T. Usha completed a 'double' by winning women's 200 metres and 400 metres.

India retained their Games soccer crown and in addition they bagged the gold medals in basketball, volleyball and kabaddi too. In swimming, Sri Lanka's Julian Bolling was the star attraction with three gold medals in 200 metres freestyle, 400 metres freestyle and 400 metres individual medley. Bolling also won a silver medal in 1,500 metres freestyle.

But India won six of the seven table tennis gold medals. Thilaka Jinadasa has a gold medal in the 100 metres hurdles. In 1987 games had 9 disciplines one more than the 2nd SAF Games. The new event was men's volleyball.

Sri Lanka who were placed fourth in the overall medal tally in the 2nd SAF Games held in Bangladesh in 1985, jumped into the third position in the Calcutta Games. Sri Lanka won four gold medals, seven silver medals and 23 bronze medals.

Countrywise medal summary; India 91 gold, 45 silver, 19 bronze total 155 (first), Pakistan - 16 gold, 36 silver, 14 bronze total 66 (second) Sri Lanka - 4 gold, 7 silver, 23 bronze total 34 (third), Bangladesh - 3 gold, 20 silver, 31 bronze - 54 (fourth), Nepal - 2 gold, 7 silver, 33 bronze - 42 (fifth), Bhutan - 1 silver, 5 bronze-6 (sixth), Maldives - medal tally zero.

(More on other games next week)