Sri Lanka’s Rugby Sevens Team Commended

Director General of Sports, Dr. Shemal Fernando has paid a glowing tribute to Sri Lanka’s Men’s Sevens Rugby Team, which participated under the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) Flag at the 19th Asian Games Rugby Tournament in Hangzhou, China.

He congratulated and commended the players for maintaining the highest standards of discipline and sportsmanship, both in and out of the playing arena.

He elaborated that only those who have played the game will understand how difficult it is to represent the country in an international tournament such as the Asian Games under a neutral flag.

He elaborated that it was made possible due to the untiring and determined efforts of the Minister of Sports Roshan Ranasinghe.

“The roundtable discussions initiated by the Minister with World Rugby and Asia Rugby in July 2023, to resolve the ban on Sri Lanka Rugby paved the way for the inclusion of the team,” Dr. Fernando stressed. “It surely afforded the opportunity to Sri Lanka’s best players to be part of the Asian Games, which is perhaps once in a lifetime experience for any sportsman as the Asian Games is conducted every four years though this time the postponed games are taking place after five years.”

“The Ministry of Sports and the Department of Sports provided the rugby team with all required facilities for training, apart from accommodation and food for 40 days at a time Sri Lanka Rugby is banned by both World Rugby and Asia Rugby,” he emphasised.

“The players truly displayed the true spirit of Olympism as spelt out in the Olympic Charter, surely bringing honour and glory to the country,” added Dr. Fernando. (C.D)

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