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by Dinesh Weerawansa

President of the International Association of Athletic Federations (IAAF), Lamine Diack will not tour Sri Lanka next week as planned after suffering from a heart attack. He was due to be the guest of honour at the closing ceremony of the 14th Asian Athletic Championships at Sugathadasa Stadium on August 12.

Diack is reportedly under treatment, and doctors have advised him to restrict air travel and rest for at least three weeks. The IAAF boss, has been having a busy schedule in recent times, being involved in a lot of travelling to the IAAF World Junior Championships in Kingston and the Commonwealth Games in Manchester.

Diack, who had earlier accepted Sri Lanka's invitation and confirmed his tour of Sri Lanka, is keen on making the visit. He has contacted local AAA officials to inform them on the latest developments. He has assured all support and encouragement to Sri Lanka's efforts in track and field promotion and wished all success to the upcoming Asian Championships. Sri Lanka sports officials have sent a message wishing his speedy recovery.

Meanwhile, one of India's leading musical bands - 'Bombay Vikings' will perform at the opening ceremony of the Asian Championship next Thursday (8).

Bombay Vikings will add colour to the three-hour opening ceremony, presided over by Prime Minister, Ranil Wickremasinghe, who will declare open the event.

Sports Minister Johnston Fernando said the touring Bombay Vikings, along with a popular Sri Lankan band, will perform at a special musical show to be held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium on August 9. He said proceeds of this show will go to the National Sports Fund. "We are hoping to raise Rs. two million to boost the National Sports Fund," Minister Fernando said.

Meanwhile, 17 Kuwait athletes and officials, were the first team to arrive in Colombo for the Asian Championship, visited Sugathadasa Stadium last evening to have a light work out and see the track and surrounding areas.

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