Netball Federation launches talent search program
Sri Lanka Netball Federation (SLNF) headed by new President Ranjani Jayakody wants to have a close relationship with Schools Netball Federation .The President had a successful discussion with School Netball officials recently and pointed out the importance of Schools Netball development.
We like to see a close relationship between Sports and Education Ministry.The present Sports Minister Namal Rajapaksa has a clear vision and his support and blessings is always very important. Especially as the National Netball body our responsibility is to work closely to improve school Netball standard.
We have already started talent Search program from Provincial level and it was highly successful.The talent Search programs of Central, North Western, North Central, Western , Southern, North, Uva and Sabaragamuwa Provinces paved the way to select good players from outstations and our aim is to get them down to Colombo for further training and our newly elected National coach Hyacinth Wijesinghe is ready to work with them.
Already 54 players are in National pool and we are expected it prune it down to 18 by next February and I am sure a few players who are coming from talent Search program will get a chance to enter final pool.
In addition coaching and umpiring training also two areas which we will focus on during this talent Search programs and that also important areas to look after as administrators. We saw very talented players from outstations and we have to give proper guidance to take them forward and this is the main objective of the talent Search program.
The National pool practices once again resumed and coach Hyacinth Wijesinghe is busy with them to focus on next Asian Championship.The coach also works closely with trainers on players fitness.
Especially due to Covid19 players couldn’t maintain their fitness and it’s very important for this sport.
Meanwhile SLNF have confirmed their participation at the 12th Asian Netball Championships from September 3 to 10 in Singapore.
Sri Lanka won the Asian title for the fifth time when the tournament was last held in 2018 in Singapore with the host nation becoming runners-up and Malaysia claiming the third place. Sri Lanka have the credit of having won this tournament the most number of five times in 1989, 1997, 2001, 2009 and 2018.
As the defending Asian champions our first task is to retain the title and we are already planning and National coach is leading from the front to form best National side for the Asian championship. Netball is the main women’s sport in the country and with the assistance of Sports Ministry and also from the sponsors our aim is to uplift this sport.
The National Netball championship will be held on January 22,23 at Digana Stadium in Kandy while Dialog once again give their support for this major tournament and this is a good opportunity for the Netball players to show their talent after some time. Especially due to Covid 19 the Netball activities were held up and National pool training also not conducted as scheduled. However we have to get back soon for the Asian Championship and also we focus on junior players to make a good second string added Netball President.
The former Sports Director General is no stranger to the sport field.She is a very senior Government official having vast experience.
As the former Head of the Sports development Department she knew what type of requirements are needed to uplift the game. In addition she had a good relationship with sport ministry officials and her administration ability is a strength to the Netball Federation. Ranjani Jayakody and her team always like to work closely with district Associations. We have to work together and like to see Netball all over the country. Our responsibility is to develop the game with more focus on players said the new Netball Chief.