Athletics: Jaffna to host 42nd National Sports Festival

The 42nd National Sports Festival (NSF) at the Duraiappah Stadium, Jaffna, conducted by the Ministry of Sports, from September 29 to October 2, will have five new Sports. 

They are Athletics, Beach Kabadi, Basketball, Football and Tug-O-War. 

For the first time in NSF history, it is being held in Jaffna, with 1,700 Athletes and 800 officials and referees participating. 

"All of Jaffna is awaits the NSF eagerly with all arrangements being made for the event,” said Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera. 

Prior to the 'Civil War', efforts to hold the NSF in Jaffna by several Sports Ministers failed due to the lack of accommodation and the unavailability of suitable ground facilities. 

It finally succeeded under Sports Minister Dayasiri Jayasekera. 

The NSF will have 33 Sports with 24 Sports events concluded in Colombo and its suburbs. 

They are Cross Country, Walking Race, Wushu, Judo, Cycling (Racing), Cycling (Standard), Marathon, Bodybuilding, Wrestling, Hockey, Kabadi, Boxing, Elle, Carom, Beach Volleyball, Softball Cricket, Badminton, Table Tennis, Weightlifting, Chess, Rugby, Handball, Gymnastics, Karate Do and Taekwondo. 

The Opening ceremony will be on September 29 evening, with Speaker of the House, Karu Jayasuriya as Chief Guest. 

The Closing ceremony will be on October 2 evening with President Maithripala Sirisena as Chief Guest. 

All Winners will receive cash awards of Rs 10,000 each. 

Winners of Single events will receive cash awards of Rs.7,500, 2nd place Rs 5,000 and 3rd place Rs 3,000. 

Team events, Winning team members will receive Rs 3,000 each. 

Runners-up will receive Rs 2,000 each, while 3rd place will receive Rs 1,000 each. 

It has been suggested that Jayanthi Somasekeram De Silva (Netball) and S. Anthonypillai (Football) of Jaffna District should light the Festival Flame.