Sports Letters

Fine display by Sri Lankan athletes at SAG

Though I am already late, I do think 'better late than never' in penning a few lines, as regards the recently concluded 10th South Asian Games in Colombo! On the whole being the host country (Sri Lanka) did extremely well with our sportsmen and women winning 37 gold, 63 silver and 77 bronze medals, the total tally of 177 medals and was placed third in the rank of medal standings.

Some achieved great and brought real glory (honour) to our motherland, standing just behind our mighty neighbouring nations (India and Pakistan). Of course, our lads and lasses gave their best of performances and had accepted the terrific challenges of the opponents with grit, determination, hard work, dedication and above all, strict discipline, that we all should be happy and proud of them.

Never in the history of our country, that we obtained a big total tally of 177 medals in athletics (sports). Marvellous!

A big salute with thanks to all the medal winners and also heartiest congratulations to India and Pakistan, the top winners as well. Never forget all the losers (Maldives especially for them, We must backup to extend our hand shakes and say 'Peace keep on trying and better luck, next time! They all made the meet events very colourful and competitive too.

By the way, it's with great interest and pleasure, I read the substance in the reported news item, under the caption "ICC invites Gwen Herath to serve on Panel" in your esteemed journal dated September 4, 2006 and our veteran lady Gwen Herath richly deserves to serve on the Selection Panel, with other eminent and outstanding achievers of women's cricket that include top sports journalists from around the world.

Most certainly, she will be the finest ambassador of women's cricket from our country to the ICC Women's Cricketers Organising Committee. Undoubtedly it is a fine and worthy selection indeed. My heartiest congratulations to Madam Gwen!

S.T. Arasu,
Dehiwala.

Singer Sri Lankan Rugby Sevens!

The recently concluded Rugby sevens held at Nittawela was the brainchild of Kandy Sports Club, which has become a very great success in the recent years. The large crowds which came to witness on the final day proves beyond doubt how popular this game and tournament is in the hill capital.

The Capper-Cup, Clifford Cup which was played in the hill capital was abounded for reasons well known, as certain Colombo Clubs couldn't stomach the success of the hill capital club in the recent years.

In the good old days the star players who donned the Kandy Sports Club jersey were imported by certain Colombo Clubs to represent their clubs.

The scenario has completely changed today, as all rugby fans should be proud to see that the only outstation club in Sri-Lanka hosting an International tournament which has been accepted and applauded by the International Rugby Board (IRB).

I would like to appeal to the Rugby officials not to try to hijack this tournament to Colombo, as it will not be a easy task mainly because the International Rugby Board is backing the organisers to the hilt?

Li.Kuang.Shu,
Kandy