Sports - Kazakhstan still to confirm participation at Rugby Asiad

The track ‘World In Union’ started off proceedings at the launch of the Rugby Asiad 2006 at the Galadari on Thursday. Hosted by Sri Lanka, this tournament will kick off in November. The crucial factor of this tournament is that the winner of the ‘Cup’ will qualify for the World Cup to be held next year in France.

Out of the 13 teams that have confirmed their participation, three are in the running to qualify for the World Cup. They are Japan, Korea and Hong Kong. Heading the organising committee is CEO of the SLRFU Dilroy Fernando. Speaking to the Sunday Times Fernando said “We are looking at this tournament from two angles. One obviously is the rugby itself. We are also working with the Tourist Board as well as rugby unions of the participating countries, to promote Sri Lanka as a tourist destination.”

In addition to the Cup, ten teams will fight it out for the Plate and Bowl. In the Plate hosts Sri Lanka will face stiff competition from the likes of Arabian Gulf, China, Chinese Taipei, Singapore and Thailand. Malaysia, India, Pakistan and Iran will compete for the bowl. The only team yet to confirm its participation is Kazakhstan. They have until the end of this month to do so. If they do decide to accept Sri Lanka’s invitation, they will be in the Plate category.

Singer Sri Lanka are the main sponsors of the tournament. Head of Singer Hemaka Amarasuriya speaking at the press conference praised the efforts of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union. “I believe that the administration of rugby in Sri Lanka, is in safe hands. Thus I foresee more sponsors coming forward as long as this status quo continues,” said Amarasuriya.

The games will be played at three venues namely CR and FC, Royal College Sports Complex and the Sugathadasa Stadium. “We are working closely with the Ministry of Sports, the Sri Lanka Tourist Board and the Sri Lanka Police. Our aim is to make this the best Rugby Asiad ever,” said Fernando in conclusion.