Lanka to send its biggest squad for Asian Games

Chris DHAMBARAGE

Sri Lanka is planning to send the largest ever contingent for the 16th edition of the Asian Games which will be staged in Guangzhou, China next year.

The Sri Lankan delegation will be over 150 competitors and officials and will be vying for honours in 15 sports disciplines including the latest entry into the Games Twent20 cricket.

The Asian Games will comprise 42 sporting disciplines including 28 Olympic events and 14 non Olympic events.

This was revealed by the President of the National Olympic Committee Hemasiri Fernando during a gala event held at the Waters Edge to welcome the 2010 Games Road Show and to pay tribute to the spirit of the Games.

The ‘Road of Asia’ tour will be travelling to 45 Asian countries and hope to build excitement for the Guangzhou, China edition of the Asiad which carries the striking tagline ‘Thrilling Games, Harmonious Asia’.

The event was sponsored by TCL an official partner of the 16th Asian Games and Singer Sri Lanka PLC who presented a 42 inch TCL lCD television to the Ministry of Sports and to the National Olympic Committee as a token of appreciation for the work done by the committee in improving sporting standards in Sri Lanka.

The President of the National Olympic Committee Hemasiri Fernando also noted that 2010 is a significant year for Sri Lanka with two other major events lined up the South Asian Games in Dhaka and the Commonwealth Games to be staged in New Delhi.

However he stressed the importance of the Asian Games and believed that Sri Lanka could win at least six gold medals and make a huge impact unlike in the pervious occasions. Meanwhile Chairman of the Singer Sri Lanka PLC Hemaka Amarasuriya noted the Asian Games and the Olympic Movement are much more than a sports event as it could bring countries and people together in a celebration of harmony.

He described the ‘Road of Asia’ promotional event as a showcase for sports, culture and international friendship observing that following on the heels of a spectacular Beijing Olympics, the 16th Asian Games promises to give the sports loving public an exciting event.

The organizers of the 16th Asian Games expect over 14,000 participants, 6500 technical officials, 10,000 media personnel and 200 officials from the Olympic Committee Asia and International Olympic Committee.