U-19 Football: Sri Lanka-South Korea Friendship tournament commences

Under the South Korean-Sri Lanka Friendship Tournament, the Korean Football Federation has decided to donate USD 25,000 to the Sri Lanka Football Federation for the second successive year.

The President of the Korean Football Association Mong Gyu Chung has handed over the said sum to former Sri Lanka Football President Ranjith Rodrigo due to a request made by Ranjith Rodrigo to improve junior football in Sri Lanka.

The Korean Embassy and the Sri Lanka Football Federation are jointly conducting the under 19 South Korea-Sri Lanka Friendship Trophy Junior Inter-League championship. 

The tournament began in 2014 where Jaffna Football league emerged champions with Kandy Football leagueas the runners-up. 

This year too the tournament is being held and it started yesterday (Jan. 16) island wide. 

58 league teams are competing in the event. 

The winning team will receive Rs. One Lakh.

The press conference regarding the tournament took place on Thursday at the Sri Lankan Korean Embassy with the Second Secretary Sang Ho Lee as the chief guest.

He stated the following regarding the competition:

“First of all, I am delighted be here with you to congratulate the Sri Lanka Korea friendship U19 Championship, which is held under the auspices of the Korea Football Association. Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1977, the relationship between Korea and Sri Lanka has been close in various sectors.” 

“In the field of sports, many efforts and exchanges have taken place between our two countries. In March 2014, Korea Football Association and Football Federation of Sri Lanka made an agreement to develop the youth football in Sri Lanka. Since then, Korea Football Association has offered funds annually to expand youth football and support grassroots programme throughout this Island.”

“Korea and Sri Lanka also share historical, cultural and social aspects in common. Our two countries have a long and proud history based on Buddhist culture, and experienced civil war. I firmly believe that such shared grounds and features contributed towards improving mutual understanding and friendly cooperation between our two countries. Ladies and gentlemen, now I would like to take this opportunity to give you a brief introduction to the history and development of Football in Korea.”

“Football has come a long way in Korea since its inception about 100 years ago. After gaining independence from Japan in 1945, the Korean national team advanced into the 1948 Olympics and the 1954 FIFA World Cup consecutively.”

“Korea emerged as a major football power in Asia, winning both the first and second AFC Asian Cups, which were held in 1956 and 1960. Afterwards, the Korean national team made a name as the undisputed kings of Asian football, winning several prestigious Asia football championships including the King’s Cup, Asian Games, and AFC U-19 Championship.”

“Korea also played in the FIFA World Cup final tournament 8 consecutive times from 1986 to 2014, setting a new record of the most appearances among Asian countries, with nine appearances so far. Through Football, we could make our unity stronger and challenge the world with our indomitable spirit. This is the power of football. I hope that this opportunity plays a role in improving football in Sri Lanka, and further strengthens bilateral cooperation between Korea and Sri Lanka, especially in the field of sports.”