Just playing in the ‘D’
View(s):
Although it is common to see hockey listed as a prominent sport in most schools around the country, it has for several years languished in a state of limbo, with Sri Lanka making very little headway in the international arena. We put it to the public: Wht needs to be done to catalyse hockey’s national growth?
 In the country, hockey is famous only in the Matale and Colombo districts and has not reached other areas. We have a hockey federation in the country. It is the federation’s duty to travel to other areas and promote the sport. I believe they have failed in their duty. The sports department should also pay more attention to this neglected sport. - A. Jayawickrema (Secretary to the Ministry of Sports) |
 Unlike other sports, hockey has failed to reach the working crowd and teenagers. There is not enough promo given to this sport. - Denham Perera (Sales manager) |
 We don’t have professional coaches and don’t promote hockey among outstation schools. There are students who may be great players but can’t even afford to purchase a hockey stick. They should be allocated more facilities and training. - Nipuni Tharaka (Student) |
 There is no sponsorship for national level hockey games and no media coverage. It is only through media coverage and sponsorships that any sport can get recognition. - S. Kavinda (Schoolboy) |
 Many people in rural areas are unaware of the game. This is only an urban sport. It should be promoted in other areas in order to make hockey a popular game in the country. - Salinda Abeysooriya (Student) |
 Like other sports, hockey should be promoted at the school level. My son is a swimmer but if he had chosen hockey, I would not have objected. - Sanath Palliyaguru (Parent) |
 There are no coaches for hockey in the country. There are training academies for sports like cricket, rugby and football but there are no such training academies for hockey. - Sarath Hapuarachchi (Three-wheeler driver) |
 Even during our school times hockey was not a famous sport. Sri Lanka has been a benchmark only for cricket and if authorities are hoping to promote hockey they have to reach outstation schools. - Shane Jayakody (Content manager) |
 Cricket is broadcast on television, print and other media. It is also backed by many sponsors. But hockey is not given such coverage. Most people are not aware of the sport or even if it exists in our country. - Sunetra Priyangani (Office assistant) |
 Authorities should start proper coaching from the school level and more trainers should be recruited to train schoolchildren islandwide. - W. A. Thushara (Businessman) |
Follow @timesonlinelk
Related Posts:
‘Pure Piano Moods’ back in actionSingers are known to make comebacks, but it’s hard to think of a pianist in this country who has done ...
‘We have the wherewithal to pull it off’ says de MelThe Lankan chief selector Asantha de Mel feels that Sri Lanka has the wherewithal to pull off a finals victory ...
Backstage crosses over up front : Watch the band go live next SaturdayThe days of the young male octuple of ‘Backstage’ are spent by the desks of the corporate world. But by ...
Dilroy takes the 50th runDilroy Fernando - Pic courtesy Dhammika Heenpella
Holding says modern pace would bowl himOne of cricket's all-time fastest bowlers says he wouldn't have been able to play at top levels for 12 years ...