The 92nd National Athletic Championship will be held on the 13th and 14th of August at the Sugathadasa stadium. A media briefing with regard to this was held today at the Sri Lanka Mechanical and Engineering Officers mess, Malay Street
Present at the head table were Mr. P.D. Pinnawala, Secretary General of the Athletic association of Sri Lanka (AASL), the President of the AASL, General Palitha Fernando and Mr. G.L.S. Perera the Vice president of the association and the media coordinator for the championship.
The championship which will see the participation of 874 athletes will be the last trial for athletes ahead of the Asian games. The championship will field 8-10 finals per day according to the president ensuring that no athlete faces a disadvantage.
General Fernando went on to say that “this championship will surely be an interesting one with the display of good quality action as the athletes will be tested for the final time and the team for the Asian games will be selected based on their performances at the meet”. He also added that “around 20 athletes I’ll be tested for doping as advised by the Asian games committee”. “The selection of these athletes will be based on their performance and the selection of the team” went on the president.
When questioned by media as to the selection of athletes engaged in training abroad, the president said “top athletes like Nadeeka Lakmali and Sonali Meryl won’t be able to take part in the tournament but, they will be considered due to the performances they have displayed in the near past”. Another question presented was the clarification on the allegation that Sonali Meryl was personally funded for training and tours by the AASL. Replying to this Gen. Fernando said “Sonali is a young and talented athlete but she has not been personally paid anything extra. Apart from the air tickets for tours she has not been paid anything more. She has been looked after just like other athletes who represent the country”.
The qualification standard for selection is a 6th place timing of the previous Asian Games, “this is only a guideline for athletes, the final selection will be made by the selection committee” said the general speaking on this topic. Opposed to previous national Championships this year there will be no participation from foreign teams. This is said to be mainly due to the preparation for the Asian games by other countries too with their own National Championships.
The 92nd edition of the National championship promises a good display on offer as athletes will give it their best in aim of making it to the final team that will represent the Country at the Asian Games to bring glory to the motherland working in the back of their minds.
