Jaffna Uni nets another for Northern footie
View(s):The northern peninsula is known for producing brilliant football players and this year the University of Jaffna (UoJ) lived up to this 
billing with a sterling display which garnered them the football championship at the Sri Lanka University Games, after they conquered Colombo and Moratuwa Universities.
In the finals, Jaffna University beat Moratuwa University 4-1 to claim the gold medal. Srien Desilen, S.Gnanaruban, S. Jabakar and I. Jeevakumar of UoJ each scored to lead their team to victory in the finals.
The university has been able to claim all Sri Lanka University Games football championships except in 2007 and 2008, the years the University was unable to participate due to the intensity of the conflict in the North.
Jaffna University’s Captain Cyril Mayooran (24) attributes dedication as the key motive behind their continuous success.
A final year student, Mayooran said that despite exams and projects, students have been able to focus on the game.
“Football for us is motivation. The sport helps us to focus more and achieve in our studies as well,” he said.
The football team practices twice a week and during tournament season the training increases to twice a day, before and after lectures.
He said that many youth in the Northern peninsula are unemployed but are talented football players. Mayooran is also of the belief that football in the country is in need of recognition.
“Unfortunately, there is less opportunities for players from this part of the country to enter national teams. Selectors should visit schools, clubs in Mannar, Jaffna, Vavuniya and Mullaitivu to witness the number of exceptional players,” he added.
Commenting on the ongoing construction of the largest football training complex and stadium in the country in Kaithady, Jaffna, the captain said it will benefit many young players from the province and with more international events being held, there will be more recognition for the game.
The complex is being constructed with financial assistance from the West German Republic and World Football Federation, at a cost of Rs.50 million.
The coach of Jaffna University’s football team, N.Illampriyen, said that playing under scorching sun and extremely parched grounds is no easy task and endurance drives northern players to perform well in grounds around the country.
He said there are about 1000 football clubs in the North. Jaffna itself has about 500 registered football teams and three football leagues.
“The students are dedicated and practice hard. As coaches we train them both 
physically and mentally. But these performances should not be limited to schools and universities. They (the students) will perform better if there are more opportunities at the national level,” he said.
Vice Chancellor of Jaffna University Prof. Vasanthi Arasaratnam said that football players have made the University proud and that the players are with all facilities, training programmes and even award Colours for best performers in sports.
Jaffna University will also hold the 2016 Sri Lanka University mini-Olympics, held once in three years among universities.
Nadia Fazlulhaq
Follow @timesonlinelk
comments powered by Disqus