Today the reality of Asiad Rugby begins

Road to “Singer” Rugby Asiad 2007:

by Ken de Joodt

...And so the ‘great day of the much-awaited “Singer Rugby Asiad 2007”, after a lapse of 17 years, will kick-off at 4.20 p.m. today at Longdon Place and Royal Complex, simultaneously. It is just the beginning to an exciting Asiad!

As the reality of this significant day in the annals of Sri Lanka Rugby comes into focus, the players involved in the two games, will be filled with joy and pride-when they realize what an honour it brings to them, to represent their resplendent countries.

Sri Lanka will enjoy the advantage of playing on their home grounds, which naturally has the crowd support as well. With a brilliant prop forward from the Kandyan hills, Jeewa Galgamuwa from Kingswood College and Kandy Sports Club, his leadership of a fine blend of Rugby-players, should pave the way for clean and hard rugby to bring success to Sri Lanka.

China too have come a long way in Rugby, as they do in every sport that calls for good competition - which makes them a strong contender for the championship cup!

Kazakhstan and Thailand are two well-balanced teams, that could produce surprises apart from playing classy rugby.

Their participation and enthusiasm has been from recent times, although Rugby was first introduced to Thailand by the Englishmen in 1901, at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club. In 1954, the King of Thailand granted an award of the “Vajiralongkorn Cup” for the traditional fixture between Malaysia and Thailand - that’s just 53 years ago!

Sri Lanka has over 150 years of Rugby history and is considered the third longest Rugby playing nation, in the world! Currently ranked as No 6 in Asian tournament, the SLRFU President Nimal Lewke said that this Asian tournament will be very competitive to all participating countries because the ‘favourites’ Asia’s No 1 - Japan, No 2 - Hong Kong and No 3 - Korea are not in it .... therefore it will be different this year, which makes it open to the others to compete with good, promising displays of high quality Rugby!

This Asiad will no doubt elevate and motivate the young players in Sri Lanka, to spread the love of this magnificent sport and have a greater following of Rugby in the years to come!

With his mega-event, Sri Lanka will gain greater recognition in the wide-world of Rugby and moreso when Sri Lanka wins through! “Best Wishes” to a solid Sri Lanka Rugby team!!