South Asian Soccer Sevens for men & women in Badulla

Bernard Perera

The fifth South Asian seven-a-side soccer championship for men and women is scheduled to be held on July 13, 14 and 15 at Vincent Dias stadium in Badulla.

All eight countries from South Asia India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Afghanistan, Maldives, have confirmed their participation, said chairman of Thaarunyata Hetak Foundation Namal Rajapaksa at a press briefing held on Tuesday at its head office in Colombo.

Rajapaksa speaking further said that Thaarunyata Hetak is a Foundation formed to serve the people of rural areas who deserve proper guidance to reach national level in sports. At present most of national level sportsmen are from outstations.

But still there are many who have not got the opportunity to prove their ability to come up in their respective sporting disciplines.

The Foundation thought it fitting to promote sports in different parts of the country with a view to finding talents and also to provide the general public the opportunity witness the capabilities of the youngsters of the area.

That is why the Foundation decided to join hands with Uva Provincial Council to conduct the tourney in Badulla.

The winners of the both segments will receive the Carlton Challenge Trophy Rajapaksa said that this tourney is sure to attract the spectators from all parts of Uva Province, as this is the first occasion that an international tournament is held there.

Lastly he mentioned that his Foundation has fulfilled all their achievements up to date and hopes to continue the future plans on schedule to help the young generation for a better future tomorrow.

G.W. Wijithamuni Zoysa President of the Seven-a-Side Football Association and Chief Minister of Uva Province speaking said that football and hockey were the most popular sports in the Uva.

But in the recent past these sports taken a downward trend, with this tournament we are that sports will definitely get a boost when the idea was mooted by the Thaarunyata Hetak Foundation we grabbed the opportunity with the sole intention of serving the people of Uva.

He said that it was Medagama MV team that first participated in this tournament and won a medal.

I took a personal interest for the sport and formed the Association with the assistance from L.B. Michael who is the present secretary.

When Medagama MV toured, there were no sponsors we at the Provincial Council decided to help these young soccerites. As a respect for bringing honour to our motherland we have also made arrangements to hold womens matches at Medagama MV ground, Bibile. But both finals are scheduled to be played at Vincent Dias stadium, Badulla.

L.B. Michael said that the Association made a request to the Asian Body to add an extra team from Sri Lanka. This request was granted and the Association will field a national team a team from the Medagama MV.

The nine teams will be divided into two groups and play on a league basis. The leaders and the runner up of each group qualify for the semis, the losers of semis will play the third place play off.

Namal Rajapaksa the Chairman of the Thaarunyata Hetak will be the chief guest on the final day and give away the awards. It was also disclosed that the next year’s tourney too will be staged here.