Athletics: NOC decides to do away with Managers for Rio Olympics

In an unusual move the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka has decided to do away with managers for the forthcoming Rio Olympics which will begin on August 5.
 
The authorities have decided that there would be no managers for any of the relevant sports – Athletics, Swimming, Rifle Shooting, Judo and Badminton. 

In similar vein breaking traditional protocol the NOC also has decided to do away with an accompanying team doctor for the first time in its Olympic history. 

Explaining situation NOC secretary and the Chef de Mission of the Rio Olympic contingent Maxwell de Silva said “In the past, the perennial complaint has been, the void of relevant coaches accompanying the team, but, this time we have included all relevant coaches for the events that the athletes are taking part – 1 for swimming, 1 for badminton, 1 for Judo, 1 for Rifle Shooting and 3 for Athletics.” 

However according to experts there could be instances that the absence of managers could lead to unwanted hassles and delays over technical issues. 

Because at any disputes, only the team manager is permitted to attend the Managers meeting and not the relevant coach. 

However de Silva explained “we were reluctantly compelled to do away with managers because we were in a bid to cut down expenses”.