| Sports |
||||
| Sports
at crossroads due to indiscipline Initially the parents, the school administrators and apparently some of the officials who run the affairs of sports controlling bodies. They are more concerned in holding office with their acolytes, than maintaining standards. The adults must set an example. When they are indisciplined how could one expect the youth to behave in an exemplary manner? This is the talk of the town! These incidents have increased to alarming proportions - due to lack of parental guidance in some quarter who show a blind eye rather than bringing them to task. As a result they show scant respect to authority nor adhere to a code of ethics. Today it's happening, apparently among some of the new-rich sportsmen, with easy money coming their way and has lost their values. Some of them are enjoying themselves to the hilt with wine and song and with late nights with no control whatsoever coming from their homes, Clubs or by the controlling bodies, due to weak management. The recent
fatal accident where an innocent mother was a victim awaiting for
a bus in the early hours - (4.30 a.m.) due to the reckless driving
by a national cricket poolist. It's nothing new pertaining to late night or private parties even when a match is on. Apparently some players have their own way due to weak tour management. Some of the officials are not concerned about discipline, but are more interested in their personal gains. This is where a strong tour management is essential who will command respect and act without fear or favour. Today the national players are well paid unlike in the past, but they still keep on demanding due to their greed and lust. Sportsmen from whatever quarter must strive to maintain the country's dignity. Here, too, they have failed to control their mind due to lack of guidance (parents or otherwise). Be happy with what you have. Don't crave, its all temporary in whatever walk of life. Why worry about on field sledging. Why pick holes at others, when the locals too are found wanting. "Create disciplines that stretch your life and let go the ones that stress your life". Due to, too much of professionalism and money at stake - cricket is no longer a gentleman's game - worldwide. They want to win at all costs. Even the umpires here are picked at the behest of the players. Imagine an umpire being changed at the eleventh hour due to outside interference in an International game in the past. It shocked even the host team. Imagine some umpires call the players "Sir" to be in their good books. In some quarters players refused to shake hands after a game in Sydney when Mark Taylor threw his hand out. Isn't this worst than on field sledging. We don't condone sledging or racism in sport. It's upto the ICC to take deterrent action and frame laws and for the governing bodies to fine the players with heavy penalties. Again the need is a firm management who could act without fear or favour. My former Nalanda colleague and later Times of Ceylon sports journalist, Stanley Jayasinghe had his father Arthur Jayasinghe to guide him. But, who disciplined him as a cricketer and spotted his talents to join S.S.C was old Royalist and Oxford blue F.C. (Derrick de Saram). A good administrator, a good coach and a firm disciplinarian, who called a spade a spade. Stan made his mark whilst playing with the likes of C.I., Mahes Rodrigo, Bertie Wijesinghe, Ben Navaratne, F.C. etc. He failed to turn up for practices. F.C. personally went to his residence to see what was wrong with him. Nothing was wrong. He was dropped from the team on disciplinary grounds. He crossed over to N.C.C. But learnt much from F.C who paved the way to climb the cricketing ladder. Later both became best of friends. Later he maintained the standards on and off the field - be it manager or otherwise - thanks to F.C's discipline at the start of his career. Rather than being a Mariamma (curator) he should do well to be a consultant to the development squad. The youngsters had a lot to learn from him at grassroots level for a better future. He has the time and the practical knowledge. He could even help the development of the game at district level. How many of them holding office, who could match him than being mere figureheads, but hell -bent only in holding office have neither the skills nor the experience to help develop the game. At present the game has hit rock bottom. -BW Capt.
Navin wins Nokia trophy UL Skipper Navin de Silva, a brilliant cricketer in his early youth turned to golf 30 months ago and within this short period meteorically reduced his handicap to nine. On Saturday he sparkled to shoot 5 under par and capture a beautiful NOKIA Trophy from Samanthi Weeratunga. He was overall winner with 41 points with Sumeda Amarasinghe coming 2nd with a commendable 40 points. Murad Ismail excelled in the 'A' Division beating his regular rival Rusi Captain to pick an absolutely handsome NOKIA Trophy from CEO Ashok Pathiraja. Saman
shines Waltzer
wins Misc
events Reception
and awards Special
awards |
||||
Copyright © 2001 Wijeya Newspapers
Ltd. All rights reserved. |
