Sepaktakraw: Sri Lanka off to Thailand for World Championship

The Amateur Sepaktakraw Association of Sri Lanka, a senior affiliate member of both The Asian and International Sepaktakraw Federations have prepared the men's and women's teams for World Championship in Thailand from October 17 to 23 with meticulous training. 

The Association has overcome meager resources and other difficulties with great grit and determination to take part in the competition. 

According to the Sec. General of the Association Saman Priyankara the training was conducted at two venues in Maharagama and Police Courts Bambalapitiya by the panel of Coaches of the Association under the expert guidance of T. Nijam Hajireen, President of the Association who is an international technical expert and former National Coach.

The Championship for the 31st time with an estimated participation of over 700 players and officials which according to the organisers is the largest number ever had for the Championship. 

Players from Pinnawala Central College, Kolonnawa, Malay Association, Kotikawatta K.M. Uva Malay Association, Police Sports Club, Army Sports Club, and Garudas Sports Club were selected from the final pool of players who have been undergoing training from July this year. 

The composition of the teams is as follows – Men's team: 12 players and three officials, Women's team: 12 players and three officials and one International referee with Dr. K.A.P. Kiriella as Honorary Physician on tour. 

The Teams are expected to leave the Island on October 15 and return on October 25.
 
There were inordinate delays heaped on the association by the Sports Administrators responsible for granting approval for the tour resulting in submission for visas too being delayed. 

He further added that this tour would provide adequate exposure, experience and first - hand observation of the teams that Sri Lanka will have to face in the forthcoming Mega Sepaktaktaw Event, the planned Second South Asian Sepaktakraw Championship to be staged in Sri Lanka for the first time on January 14 and 15, 2017 at the Indoor Sports Complex of St. Joseph’s College, Colombo 10. 

The Asian and International Congress too will be held in Bangkok during the period of the Championship on Oct 18 and 19, respectively. 

There also would be a Referee upgrading Course for which Sri Lanka has nominated two Referees namely - T. P. Hajireen and C. de Silva.