Youth Asian Games athletes granted per diems by NOC
In a first for Sri Lanka’s Olympic movement, the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC) announced the introduction of a per diem grant for all participating athletes, with each competitor receiving USD 200 to assist with personal or medical expenses during multisport games. This initiative was announced on Friday as a vibrant display of unity and youthful energy filled the Hemasiri Fernando Auditorium at the Olympic House in Colombo where the official attire was revealed and the presentation of per diems were made for the 100 athletes set to represent the nation at the 3rd Asian Youth Games 2025 in Bahrain this month.
Heading the occasion was NOC President Suresh Subramaniam, who reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to the welfare and development of the nation’s young athletes. The gesture, Subramaniam noted, marked a major step in the NOC’s ongoing efforts to provide both moral and financial support to its athletes.
“As the NOC, athletes are our heart. Without you, we won’t be here. We want to nurture you. Do your best, and I wish each and every one great success” he said.
Also present at the head table were NOC General Manager Lal Wickramatunga, Chairman of Marketing and Sponsorship Committee Irshad Mohamed, Chairman of the Athletes’ Commission Olympian Niluka Karunaratne, Chairman of Education Committee Professor Samantha Nanayakkara and Chairman of High-Performance Subcommittee Ruwan Keragala.
Athletes representing athletics, badminton, basketball, boxing, esports, golf, swimming, taekwondo, weightlifting and wrestling were ceremoniously presented with their team attire and support grants. The kabaddi and beach volleyball teams, who had already departed for Bahrain due to early competition schedules, were also acknowledged and wished success.
During the event, the official team kits were handed over by Carnage, the attire partner for Team Sri Lanka. The ceremony also featured the unveiling of Team Sri Lanka’s official opening ceremony attire, designed by Lovi Ceylon with two basketball athletes modelling the outfits.
Sri Lanka fields one of its strongest and largest ever contingent at junior level, with a force of 100 athletes for the 3rd Asian Youth Games, which is set to take place from October 22 to 31 in Manama, Bahrain. The Sri Lankan contingent includes 154 members — a record 100 athletes, who will represent across 12 sports disciplines. The 100 athletes include 56 boys and 44 girls, who will be accompanied by 31 team officials and 19 contingent officials.
Pugilist Janidu Dananjaya and long jumper Dilini Nethsala will take the honour of leading the contingent as flag bearers at the opening ceremony set to take place at the Bahrain National Stadium, inside the Isa Sports City on October 22.