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| Kandy International Sevens marks first decade |
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| Action during last year’s tournament. |
The “Singer Sri Lankan Sevens” is being played for the 10th time. Big deal somebody might say! It certainly is a big deal to those who have been in the thick of things organizing this event. It is not easy; it is not simple and needs a lot of hard work. A simple miss can bring to naught all the good work that has been done. Congratulations Kandy Sports Club on this occasion of the tournament being done for the 10th time.
These games will be played at Nittawela the home of Kandy Sports Club from 5th to 7th September.
It all started in 1999 as a part of the celebrations of Kandy Sports Club reaching 125 years of being in existence. It has now turned to be something to remember.
In 1999 this tournament brought together all the rugby playing Asian countries on one platform probably for the first time. The cup in this first year was won by South Korea. In 2000 and 2001 Chinese Taipei won the cup. In the year 2001 this tournament was made an open event. Denmark was runners up to Chinese Taipei in 2001 while Portugal won in 2002. In 2003 teams from Africa joined and Kenya who has since made vast strides in the world sevens won the cup.
In 2004 the tournament was played as the Asian qualifier for the rugby Sevens world cup as recognized by the IRB Once again it turned to be an event for the Asian Rugby playing nations. The winner that year was Japan. The tournament then won recognition as an IRB satellite event. Japan won the cup in 2005. In 2006 and 2007 the cup was won by Korea and Hong Kong respectively. Japan who had reached greater heights in Asian rugby was conspicuous by their absence. The excuse was their concern of security. I would have probably thought it is more likely that the Japanese domestic season starting at the same time would have been the real cause .Possibility also is that Japan does not see playing in Asia a priority on their agenda.
Having seen different angles of participation and recognition one would have expected that this year’s tournament will be the regions’ qualifier for the world cup sevens. It did not turn out to be that way and in favour of Sri Lanka. It was not to be as some teams were hesitant to travel to Sri Lanka. The concern of the world body was if there is a sudden inability to host the tournament in Sri Lanka due to what they term security concerns then what would they do next. The IRB qualifiers cannot be postponed as the deadline for the world cup is approaching. Therefore we lost our chance and would have to live for another day. During this time Sri Lanka won the plate in 2003, 2004 and 2005 and is expected to do well this year. Thus we find this tournament to be an ARFU recognized event with the qualifiers to be played in Hong Kong. Side by side of the main tournament there has been a schools event each year other than for in 2002.
What is important at this stage is how the tournament is to be taken forward to continue all the good work done so far. During the press briefing held the sponsors emphasized of their commitment to take forward this tournament in the future too. The emphasis was that the IRB recognition was only another stamp of endorsement and what ever it may be the sponsors will like to see the tournament move forward. That indeed is good news for the organizers. What the sponsors say has been quoted in the Finn guide and Air line and Travel Industry news letter who reference Sri Lankan Airlines as their source.
Hemaka Amarasuriya, Chairman, Singer (Sri Lanka), said: “This tournament is one of Singer Sri Lanka’s main sporting events, and we expect it to continue as the most anticipated annual rugby event in the country. It has enhanced the standard of rugby in the country, particularly in Kandy, and the sport’s popularity has soared with youngsters. It is no coincidence that there are now half a dozen schools in Kandy with reputations for excellence in rugby, whose teams have grown ever stronger in the ten years since the tournament was first held.”
Kaushal Seneviratne, Regional Manager Far East and Asia Pacific/UK, Europe and Americas of SriLankan Airlines, said: “SriLankan Airlines is proud to continue its long-time role as a major partner to international rugby in Sri Lanka. This tournament has for a decade focused the spotlight of the sporting world on Sri Lanka for three days every year, and plays an important part in enhancing awareness of our country among international travellers and sports fans.”
Teams from ten countries have already confirmed their participation in the three-day tournament, namely Sri Lanka, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Arabian Gulf, India, and Kazakhstan.
The field is wide open this year with the absence of the event’s traditional powerhouses Hong Kong and Japan, and some fast-paced action is expected when the teams scrum down.
So to the future it seems without fear.
Vimal Perera is a former Rugby Referee, coach and Accredited Referees Evaluator IRB |
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