NSSF sticks to its guns and shoots down Asian Games trip
The National Shooting Sports Federation of Sri Lanka (NSSF) has decided to forego the upcoming 18th Asian Games 2018 to be held in Jakarta and Palembang, citing the continuous disagreement of National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC) to allow a shooting coach.
According to sources the NSSF had made this decision at a recent meeting pertaining to logistical preparations for the Asian Games 2018 held at the Ministry of Sports premises where affiliations of NOC had been present.
NSSF General Secretary Pradeep Edirisinghe revealed that when the local governing body for shooting has the practice of sending two different officials as Manager and Coach due to its designated roles and responsibilities, which are totally contrast to one another.
“The lack of a coach was clearly evident at the recently concluded Commonwealth Games 2018 held in Australia. Sri Lanka had a medal prospect in Suranga Fernando, but NOC officials notified us (NSSF) that they could only accommodate one official, either a coach or a manager. Since we had a contingent of three competitors and, I, as the appointed manager had to handle all the logistical clearances pertaining to weapon transportation, locally and overseas. A coach’s role is a totally different thing and he or she has to be with the shooters all the time,” Edirisinghe said.
The NSSF had earlier made repeated requests from the NOC to allow them to include a coach for the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, but was not granted. The trend continues to follow and sensing the ineffectiveness of the outcome, the NSSF had willingly withdrawn from the Asian Games 2018.
“It will be of no use if we had to take part just for the sake of doing it. Shooting is not like other sports, we need to take our own weapons and there are lot of documentations and clearances needed to be obtained prior to a tour. A coach would not be able to perform his required duties if he was appointed to perform a dual role as a manager too. This sport needs more concentration and mental support,” he added.
However, the NSSF will continue with its local calendar and a few international assignments, but are seriously targeting the 2020 Olympics with a broader vision. They are on the verge of meeting the Minister of Sports to present their plan and vision.
“We would not hesitate to skip one or two regional and international events, if we feel that our shooters are not ready or if we feel there aren’t any medal prospects. Unlike other sports, we target medals, and to achieve that we go out in full force, with the available resources. For an overseas tour a coach and a manager in shooting is a must, sadly many do not understand the facts,” Shirantha Peiris, the President of NSSF stated.
Even sans the shooting contingent Sri Lanka is expected to field a heavy contingent of athletes and officials for the 18th Asian Games 2018, which begins on August 18 and ends on September 2.