COLOMBO – The president of National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL)Suresh Subramanian said they will not accept to host the next edition ofthe South Asian Games without permission from Pakistan.
“We are just seven nations and it is Pakistan’s turn to host the next SAGbut due to some issues with the country’s situation, the majority of membernations are planning to request us to host it. But without Pakistan’spermission we won’t accept it,” said Subramaniam.
“Compared to previous edition of the SAG, our athletes did an immense jobespecially the track and field team. I believe hard work plays a major rolethan talent and our track and field team’s hard work has paid off winningthe most number of gold medals,” he said.
Subramaniam said the Ministry of Sports and NOCSL are the main stakeholdersof Sri Lankan sports and for the betterment of it should worked together asa team.
“We’ve had discussions with various international sport bodies on how theycan help our athletes to reach the next level. For instance, we’ll send ourathletes from selected sports, for training abroad. I’ve already haddiscussions with them,” said Subramaniam.
“We must do something to lift our standards. We are not in competition withthe Athletics Association or the Sports Ministry. We have not won anOlympic medal for two decades. My main ambition is to bring an Olympicmedal for Sri Lanka. I’m determined to do it before I leave,” he said.
“We have been working without proper grants but with support of my friendsand well-wishers, we are heading towards our vision. Only a few sportsassociation has office space to conduct their work. I have submitted aproposal to the Ministry of Sports for a building complex which includesoffice space for sports federations. We have sponsors to build the sportscomplex and if the government permits us, we can start the project as ajoint venture with the Ministry Sports.