It is quite natural to stand up when the National Anthem is being played. But things have changed now and people are standing for a song praising a certain kind of biscuits! This happened at a high level meeting of the sport concerned when this particular song was played. All stood up including the organizers, sportsmen and women who were present at the occasion as well as the officials. It looks as if everyone is concerned about this particular song. Reason because it is a sponsor’s song and one must praise and please the sponsors if they hope to get a decent mileage for the event.
 High handed Hill cricketer
A cricketer belonging to a school in the Hill Capital was recently called for ‘chucking’ at a schools game in Colombo. But the strange thing is that when the umpire gave the signal for chucking, the bowler turned on the hapless umpire and yelled that the umpire concerned does not know his rules. This bowler had the audacity to say for everyone to hear: “I am not chucking, you are blind.” How high handed this Hill Country cricketer can be!
No training as yet
A big track and field meet is to be held in Colombo in June this year. When the big man in the sport was asked why preparations such as training, has not begun as yet, he said: “There is absolutely no hurry. Things will be done at the proper time. For one thing we have no money at the moment to start training these young girls and boys.” This official is trying to be the boss of this outfit for the umpteenth time and he is scared that the Big Boss in sports will not agree that he should hold the reigns once again. Incidentally 42 countries are scheduled to take part in the competition. Isn’t that one big reason to start preparing from now itself?
English a problem
A foreign lady has come all the way from ‘Down Under’ to teach a thing or two to our netball players. Recently she gave a lecture on the sport and wanted to know how many could answer a question paper on the lecture in English. Up went all the hands and they started shouting, “Yes, yes.” But when the question papers were doled out all were stumped. Why? They did not understand the English question paper! So a translator was called in and he had to re-do the questions in Sinhala. So much so for the show offs who said that they know the Queen’s Language.
 The wonder of money
There is a lad in an under 19 pool who has not even scored 350 runs. Apparently he has powerful connections and has found his way into this pool. The saying is that certain coaches have received money under the table to fit this lad into the pool. What wonders money can do!
Contest in the hills
A little bird whispers that all is not well in a popular sport in Matale. Apparently there are two such sports bodies and they have come to heads whilst conducting a popular tournament. Complaints have been made to the parent body to sort out the issue. Now an inquiry is on. Who will win this case? Your guess is as good as mine. |
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