Long-term plans to uplift sports, says Sports Minister
The Sports Ministry is getting ready to make plans for the development of the National Junior athletes pool and they intend to focus on 2024 and 2028 tournaments.
The Minister of Sports Namal Rajapaksa said long-term plans are to commence first and main infrastructure facilities for the juniors is a very important area to look after their progress. We have to give more opportunities to take part in competitions to gain more experience for the juniors and measure their progress are the main areas in this long term plan.
In addition, always work hard to keep a high mentality and give proper guidance. It is also a very important area to consider juniors’ progress and all these areas included for the long term plan said Sports Minister who had a successful discussion with athletes, their parents and the coaches to brief on new year plans. The National Sports Council (NSC) and High Performances Committee (HPC) have the responsibility to make short-term and long-term plans to develop junior athletes and this system has already applied for most of the sports.
The most popular game cricket is back on the winning track and all these are positives and we have to go forward and avoid obstacles, said Minister. The Ministry of Sports and Ministry of Health worked hard
together to make plans to get sport development during this COVID-19 period and we already got successful results by conducting International tournaments under Bio Bubble. The Minister also pointed out that the year 2022 has a very busy schedule for the athletes. Asian Games, Commonwealth Games, World Athletic Championships, Asian and World Youth athletic championships are main events for athletes.
In addition, Sri Lanka is also expected to host many International tournaments such as Asia Cricket Cup, South Asian youth Athletic Championships, Six Nation Football, Rugby Seven a side tournament while three Volleyball International tournaments and, Elle President Cup tournament will be conducted this year.
We have plans to conduct a few events at the newly built Port City. We hope to overcome challenges and Sports Ministry and officials of Sports Bodies have to work together for success said the Sports Minister.