Junior Athletic Nationals ::

Final trial for World Youth C'ships

by Leslie FERNANDO

ATHLETICS: A total of 2,160 competitors will participate at the three-day Junior National Athletic Championships conducted by the Athletic Association of Sri Lanka and sponsored by Sri Lanka Telecom from June 4 to 6 at the Sugathadasa Stadium commencing at 8 a.m. each day.

Altogether 122 events in five age categories for both boys under-16, under-18, under-20 and under-23 will be worked off and a very high standard of athletics can be expected. This meet will be the final trial to pick athletes to represent Sri Lanka at the under-18 World Youth Athletic Championships to be held in Italy in July.

Major General Palitha Fernando President Athletic Association of Sri Lanka said that junior development is a priority item among the several steps taken to develop athletics in the country. Last year, we had satisfactory performances and we look forward for this year for improvements by these athletes who will be our medal prospects in years to come" he said.

There will be interest shown by all districts including the athletes from the North and East.

"The event will be a tough test to us in the association to finalise the junior pool as well as select those athletes who meet international standard to qualify for the first Youth World Athletics Championships in Italy and the three other major international meets during the year.

Fernando added that he is very happy that one of his visions has become a reality. Tamil-speaking coaches trained in India recently who had been very successful. These trained coaches will now impart their knowledge to the athletes in the North East.

He thanked Sri Lanka Telecom for coming forward to sponsor this prestigious meet.

The best athletes in the respective age groups for both boys and girls will be presented challenge trophies. In addition, challenge trophies will be presented to the best long jumper and best women's hurdler.