 To mark the opening of the new highway a cycle race was held amidst much pomp and pageantry. The winner rode at a scorching pace to take first place to be the first ever winner on this highway.
However the winner was in for a shock when he was told that he had been disqualified because he has been banned from taking part in cycling events by the governing body for an earlier offence. All his efforts were in vain, which leaves one to wonder whether those holding such events are not aware as to who is competing in these events.
Standing under trees
Over now to Torrington Square. There is a quaint common room used by athletes and coaches to have their lunch and snacks there. But a new order has been brought stating that that this common room can only be used by athletes. What about the coaches? They now have their lunches under trees. What next they wonder. Will they have to stand under trees to answer calls of nature as well?
Hockey tourists
Hockey which was once classed as the sport which could bring honour to Sri Lanka is now very much in the doldrums. However an offer had been made to the authorities concerned to send 22 coaches to a neighbouring country to be trained by leading coaches. The cost to send these players was in the range of Sri Lanka Rupees 65,000. However there had not been much of a response from coaches and those in command had sent 15 chaps, not coaches, to attend this camp. The talk is that these 15 have gone as tourists and NOT coaches!
Favouritism
In order to cut down expenses a leading sports body is reported to have cut down 32 trainers. However two have been retained. Could this be due to Favouritism? The two who have been asked to stay back are from Kalutara and Colombo.
 Gigantic task
The buzz is revolving around a big AGM that is to be held in the early part of 2012. The body that governs all sports is flooded these days with various petitions on those who are to contest for posts at this VVI sports body. This body is now trying to find out which petition is false and which is true. They have a gigantic task on their hands.
A huge problem
The players in the big game are still awaiting their yearly purse. The last contract expired in February and the new one was singed very recently. But, as the Citadel is now broke and they have no money to pay the players, there are huge problems.
Especially the younger players who have invested in houses etc are bewildered as they are falling back on their payments to the financial institutions.
What a tragedy that has befallen to the players of this huge sport?
At a recent big function some of the seniors have been complaining about this situation to others. |
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