We are sad to note the pathetic performance of our athletes and other players at the recently concluded Asain Games in China. This time a large contingent of athletes and a handsome number of officials participated at this prestigious event. Only this is that they cut a very sorry figure.

This is the second time, I believe, the Lankan contingent has gone without any medals. The excessive number of officials who accompanied the teams had the unique opportunity of witnessing the Games at the tax payer’s expense. Was there a justification for that number of chaperones to go there?
The athletes who normally bring some medals in their chosen events, this time were unable to bring any glory. It is ridiculous to see the sports hierarchy even thought fit to send an athlete, perfectly unfit, for they thought he had some ‘outside chance’.

Sports fans waited with baited breath that, at least, the cricket team would do some justice to salvage our honour and pride. But that was not to be as they came a cropper at the hands of Bangladesh and Pakistan. Mind you the team boasted of some past Test cricketers and they were supposed to be favourites along with Pakistan. However Bangladesh and Afghanistan turned tables.
When the team took wing, the think-tanks thought they could strike Gold. But their performance did not even warrant a bronze. There are lessons to be learnt from this debacle.

M. Azhar Dawood
73/25 Saranankara Place.
Dehiwela

The Sunday Times has decided to dedicate this column to its readers so that they can comment about contents in our sports columns and features and also write their own thoughts on various sports with letters to the editor.Their views however are not necessarily those of the newspaper.