AASL lays foundation for Asian Youth Games 2017.....:

Indian coach Dr. Lakshmeesha confident Lanka will make the grade

by Sajeewa Jayakody

Looking ahead...Targetting at the 2017 Youth Asian Games to be held in Hambantota, the Sri Lanka Athletics Association (SLAA) is heading to achieve the ultimate goal towards winning the medals. AASL is in line to identify hidden talents in rural areas, starting from the grassroot level, said India's Chief Athletics Coach Dr Y.S. Lakshmeesha, who is also the head coach of Centre of Excellence in India.

"Sri Lanka Athletics Association is doing a marvellous job. The coaches education is like main livewire. Without that there is no power. It is a wonderful job. The Ministry of Sports and Athletics Association are doing a very good job. Coming to the coaches their enthusiasm is very high . They are keen to learn. The Association has understood the importance of coaches education," said Dr YS Lakshmeesha, the Chief Athletics Coach, Sports Authority of India.

Lakshmeesha, who represents the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports of India, visited Sri Lanka for a one-week athletics coaches education programme for local athletics coaches held at two venues in Colombo and Vavuniya.

Coach surprised at enthusiasm

"During two-day programme in Colombo and one-day programme in Vavuniya, I was surprised as there are so many people who seriously deserve to upgrade the standard of the Lankan athlete. The strength in this nation's children and my home children, is no difference. The coaches' potential is abundant, education is high and they have the burning inspire to learn something new. So, Sri Lanka is heading to achieve the ultimate goal winning Olympic medals in the future," said Lakshmeesha, who was speaking on the future of Sri Lanka's track and field events.

Dr Lakshmeesha has produced a dozen of Olympians from India and over 100 national champions throughout his 22-year-long career in coaching athletes. Not only his vast knowledge in coaching, but also his awareness on sports science, sports psychology re pivotal grooming an athlete from childhood.

"I am fortunate enough to be part of Centre of Excellence as the chief coach almost 22 years I happened to work with foundation for children's programme. I have produced a dozen of Olympians and over 100 of national champions to the country. Centre of Excellence produces the elite for India. Most of the Indian athlete are from the Centre of Excellence," said Lakshmeesha, who has written several series of sports journals.

Lankan athletes have potential

According to Lakshmeesha, Sri Lankan athletes have the potential to win Olympic medals as it has been proved by the Lankan athletes like Susanthika Jayasinghe, who won an Olympic medal in 200m after Duncan White's 400m hurdles medal earlier.

"You have got potential as it has already proved. I met S.L.B. Rosa, the great marathon runner, Sunil Gunawardena and national coach Derwin Perera and Ministry representative YK Kularatne. All of them have keen interest Sri Lanka athletes."

According to Dr Lakshmeesha, an Olympic medal is a symbol of many things. "The Olympic medal is a symbol of learning a society, good education, social and virbrant and proper administrative set-up and supportive staff. One Olympic medal is not the athletes muscle and brain. It represents the whole nation," the vastly experienced coach said.

"To be a Olympic medal winner is the last dream of a sweating athlete of any nation. I am very surprised to see the coaches and inborn talent of the Lankan children. If this regiment goes, in the future. It is not China, it is not India. It will be Sri Lanka, the pick of Asia in the future," he said.

"It is like China, which already started 12 years ago for the next 2016 Olympics. Sri Lanka is preparing for 2017 Youth Asian Games. Champions will give along mileage for Sri Lankan athletics it forcefully makes the society to think at grassroot development."

Rural areas have talent

"Sri Lanka, which has produced several top class athletes in the past are abundant with bright prospect in the rural areas. I always recommend with all my experience in Sri Lanka, I recommend to identify in the best talent in the rural areas for better future."

Sri Lanka will be a determined sports destination in the world, when the island nation hosts the Asian Youth Games in 2017 at Southern city Hambantota. Dr Lakshmeesha praised Sri Lanka Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Major General Palitha Fernando, the President of the Sri Lanka Athletics Association and Vice President of the Sri Lanka Athletics Association Colonel Sudath Madugalle for the great sensibility they show to enhance the quality of Sri Lanka's track and field.

"I met Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage. He is a very enthusiastic personality. He has a perfect mission with Major General Palitha Fernando, the President of Sri Lanka Athletics Association with his great team Colonel Sudath Madugalle, the Vice-President. The governing body's support , I think it's a perfect team of enthusiasm. Whenever Sri Lanka Athletics Association requires any advice or assistance, I love to come to Sri Lanka because of the hospitality of Sri Lankan people," he concluded.