Asian Junior Athletic C’ships on track as planned

From June 9 to 12 at the Sugathadasa Stadium:

Yasaratne GAMAGE

The 15th Asian Junior Athletic Championship will be held from June 9 to 12 at the Sugathadasa Stadium as scheduled, announced the Sri Lanka Athletic Association (SLAA) yesterday.

The Secretary/Treasurer of Asian Athletic Association Maurice R Nicholas has officially informed the AASL that approval to hold the event, rescinding its earlier decision to cancel the event has been granted.

Earlier on Monday, the Asian Athletic Association canceled the event following a petition forwarded by some of the former SLAA officials against the recently held general election of SLAA. In response to the decision the Sports Minister Mahindananda Aluthgamage, SLAA president Major General Daya Ratnayaka and National Olympic Committee president Hemasiri Feranado explained to the AAA about the successful preparation for the event by Sri Lanka as the host country.

In a special report sent to AAA the Sports Minister and SLAA officials have clearly indicated the free and fair nature of the recently concluded SLAA general election. It has been further explained in the report about the arrangements Sri Lanka has made for holding the event as the host country. Considering the detailed report, AAA accordingly has decided to approve the holding of the event as scheduled.

The event will be held with the participation of 111 Sri Lankan athletes and more than 900 sports personnel from 43 countries including officials. If the event was to be canceled, it would have deprived thousands of athletes taking part in an international athletic event this year. The sports ministry says it was a victory for athletics that Sri Lanka managed to alter the decision of AAA with great effort.

The ministry also notes that sports loving administrators should always take responsibility and act with dedication to bring fame and honour to the motherland instead of looking to achieve personal glory. It was also highlighted that the attempt to tarnish the image of Sri Lanka by canceling the event should be condemned by all sports lovers.

The minister also noted that there will be a special investigation into the matter in order to take action against those who attempted to tarnish the image of athletics in Sri Lanka.