Asiad is happening!

Some say that truth is stranger than fiction and that is the case once again. Less than one year after Sri Lanka was stripped of its rights to host the Rugby Asiad, due to security reasons - it is back on the cards again. Many rugby pundits agree that the credit should go to the President of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union (SLRFU) and President of the Asian Rugby Football Union (ARFU) Nimal Lewke who has pulled off something of a miracle.

The Asiad will be played from November 3 to 10. “So far a number of countries have confirmed their participation. They are India, Pakistan, Chinese Taipei, Kazakshtan, Malaysia, Thailand and of course Sri Lanka. We are expecting more countries to confirm their participation in the next two or three weeks,” said Chief Executive Officer of the SLRFU, Dilroy Fernando.

But the question that had to be asked was how this all came about given that security situation has certainly not improved in the last nine months or so. The Sunday Times spoke to Lewke. He said: “It was a very difficult task, but I think it was a two part presentation that did a lot to negate the fears of the Asian countries. At the ARFU Council meeting on April 3 I did a security briefing for the Council members. I did a power point presentation which included information about the terrorist organization, its ideologies etc… I also pointed out that 18 of the 25 countries that come under the umbrella of ARFU were going through similar situations. My presentation was well received and this is what started the ball rolling.”

“Before the ARFU Council meeting in Brunei last month, I did some ground work. First I officially wrote to the Ambassador of Japan in Sri Lanka. His First Secretary came and had a one to one chat with me. The Ambassador also gave me a very nice letter. I also took with me slides of the Bradby Shield encounter between Royal and Trinity and also of the Caltex club match between CR and FC and Kandy SC. Thus my second presentation was very different to the first. I pointed out to the Council members, the crowds that had attended these two games. And I rhetorically asked them whether such crowds would gather if there was fear of a terrorist attack. I added that rugby was very popular in Sri Lanka in comparison to other sports. If you take cricket for example, when the Sri Lankan team is playing, or when there are ‘big matches’ there is a crowd. But at most club matches and normal school matches there are more four legged spectators than two legged ones” quipped Lewke.

He added: “The issue of whether to use the private security company Rushmans was brought up. I told the Council members the amount of British Pounds that would have to be spent to get a report from the security firm would be better utilized if it was spent on developing the game. I added that Sri Lanka had waited a long time to host the Asiad and that this would be our last chance as the format will be changed from next year. I also said that there had been enough fencing and a decision had to be taken immediately. It was put to a vote and the decision was unanimous. Thus now we are going about to get sponsors and attempt to make this the best ever Asiad.”

The Sunday Times also spoke to the former Chairman of selectors and current Vice President of the SLRFU Asanga Seneviratne.to get his views on Sri Lanka’s malfunctioning back division and former Fijian and now Sri Lankan national Jimmy Bolakoro should be included in the squad. Seneviratne said: “First and foremost I think Nimal (Lewke) has done almost a miraculous job in managing to bring the Asiad to Sri Lanka. Yes I agree other than for Kandy SC’s back division none of the others have played to potential. This is something the coach and his crew will have to work on very hard. As for Bolakoro, I think he has performed well enough this season to be selected for the provisional squad at least.”Thus the countdown has begun and one can only hope there will not be a repeat of last year’s body blow.

Meanwhile the curtain falls on the Caltex Rugby league tournament today following the game between Havelocks and Army. The draw the Clifford Cup Knockout tournament which is scheduled to kick off on Friday, will be held tomorrow.