Pushpakumara out to take Sri Lanka hockey to new heights
The game of hockey in Sri Lanka is set to transform to great heights under the leadership of Kamal Pushpakumara the newly elected President of the Sri Lanka Hockey Federation (SLHF). While speaking to ‘Daily News’ Pushpakumara briefly elaborated on his immediate plans to kick start the game which at present is in a pathetic state. “I am glad that the Sports Minister has placed his confidence in me and my team. My first item on the agenda was to find a permanent shelter for us to run our activities. At my request, the Sports Minister has given the building adjoining the Astro turf for us. We are in the process of renovating it and on December 15 we have scheduled to open it to run our activities.”
“I have clearly indicated to the stakeholders that I am here to revamp the game. I welcome those who like to get on board with us to bolster the game which is at a very low ebb. Nevertheless, with the support of the minister along with the constructive views of the hockey-loving fraternity,we shall raise the standard of the game in the country.” Said Pushpakumara
Puhpakumara, who is serving as a Police officer for over three decades, was a prolific sportsman who represented his work place in various sporting disciplines. He is determined to discipline the game of Hockey which is in an orphan status imbibed with various allegations. With the opening of the new office complex, they are in the process of discussing with the minister to renovate the existing AstroTurf which is also in a pathetic state. “We have had several discussions with the sports ministry officials and the Minister on re-laying the AstroTurf which is a much-needed one. They have shown a positive intent and we also have plans to attract some private sponsors.” Pushpakumara said
The laying of an AstroTurf is likely to cost over 30 million rupees and Pushpakumara intends to renovate the Colombo and the Matale turfs. While focusing on the infrastructure issues, he is in the process of negotiating to recruit an overseas coach to train the national teams. “We desperately need a foreign coach to train our national teams. With the latest developments of the game, I feel we are still far away from there. So we have to get conducive with the latest updates of the game if we are to progress. Therefore, we are likely to get the services of a Cuban coach which might be finalized in due course.” He further added.
Pushpakumara is to meet the veteran former players and to discuss with them to draw up a plan to restart and popularize the game from the grass route level. He also is to meet the school governing body to commence their annual tournament which he feels is a must in developing the game. They are to pick two pools of players from both Men and Women by next month to gear up for the Asian Hockey Federation (AHF) tournament scheduled for next February where the venue is yet to be finalized.
“We are making arrangements to form two pools of players from Men’s and Women’s category to finalize two teams for the AHF tournament next year. We have entrusted the existing selectors to do it. Once it’s done we will get these players trained for the said tournament. We will start playing our regular domestic tournaments by next year and get going with the game to regain the lost prestige.” concluded Pushpakumara.