Equipment & venues ready on schedule

Countdown to the South Asian Games with Dinesh Weerawansa

More than 80% of the equipment needed for 10th South Asian Games have arrived, according to NOC President Hemasiri Fernando. The Lankan Olympic chief, who is playing a big role in the organising structure of the eight-nation Games, said most of the equipment needed for the mega event have arrived.

"We have received more than 80% of the equipment needed for the Games and the balance would reach Colombo within the next few days. Everything is on schedule and there is nothing to worry on this aspect," he assured. Fernando said all competition venues would be ready well in advance. "Most of them are almost ready. Our preparations are well on schedule and I am happy with the progress we have made as the hosts of the 10th South Asian Games," he said.

Fernando said most competition and training material needed for each of the 20 disciplines of the Games have reached. "We are in the process of distributing them to the national associations through our committees," he said. The electronic systems needed for athletic and swimming events would be ready as planned. Three O'jump mattresses, used only for 2004 Athens Olympics, too would reach for the benefit of our wrestlers.

The Chinese Government, which has promised to supply fireworks for the opening and closing ceremonies," have already shipped them and would reach Colombo well in advance.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka has finalised its seven-member wrestling team for the Colombo Games. The Lankan team comprise - A.A.S.D. Kumara (SL Navy) 55kg, R.I. Liyanage (SL Air Force) 60kg, E. M. P. L. Priyankara (SL Navy) 74kg, L. W. W. Gunawardena (SL Navy) 84kg, M.S.C. Perera (SL Navy) 96kg, M. K. K. Fernando (SL Navy) 120kg.

The final selection has been made after a series of trials and training sessions for the 25-member original pool. The seven wrestlers are currently touring Thailand on a ten-day training cum competition mission.

Head coach Jagath Piyarathne and his deputy Sisira Kumara Wallasedera have done a great job in putting the wrestlers in good shape.