Teenaged Lankan speedster Shehan Ambepitiya, who performed remarkably well at the just concluded New Delhi Commonwealth Games, is a doubtful starter for the forthcoming Asian Games, which will begin on the November 12 in Guangzhou China.
 The Chef de Mission of the Lankan contingent, Prema Pinnawela told the Sunday Times that Ambepitiya has informed them that the leg injury that affected him during the Commonwealth Games has worsened and is now under the treatment of Dr. C. Thurairajah, who is a sports medicine specialist.
Pinnawela said that there will be 104 athletes representing 21 sports and that, “Cricket, Beach Volleyball, Golf, Athletics and Rugby (If they have the best team representing the country) could be expected to bring home some medals.”
The athletes will leave the country in staggered batches and while the first will leave on November 11, the others will follow on 13, 15, 17, 19 and 22 November.
Though the Commonwealth Games contingent was funded by the organisers Sri Lanka has to fork out the expenses of taking part in the Asian Games and the trip will cost nearly Rs. 15 million. Meanwhile it is notable that Karate and Table Tennis are not represented at this year’s Asian Games.
Meanwhile three boxers also pulled out of the Asian Games in the wake of Manju Waniarachchi’s debacle. Regarding this Chef de Mission Prema Pinawela said, “We have spoken to the contingent about the repercussions of the drug menace and we will not tolerate such athletes and we will be showing no leniency towards them in the future.” |
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