Sri Lanka National Netball team for the first time has been invited by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to participate in the Asian Indoor Martial Arts Games (AIMAG) that will be held in 2021 July in Bangkok Thailand.
The 2021 Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, and commonly known as Bangkok–Chonburi 2021, is an international multi-sport event completed by all Asian countries.
The 6th AIMAG will take place in two cities, Bangkok City and Pattaya City in Chonburi province, in the first half of 2021 on dates to be finalised. There will be 24 sports in the programme. “We are very excited that the Sri Lanka Netball team has been invited to participate,” said President of the Sri Lanka Netball Federation, (NFSL) Lakshmi Victoria.
Victoria told the ‘Daily News’ that they have accepted the invitation and are preparing to participate for the event.
She said with the exit of former national netball coach Tilaka Jinadasa, the current deputy coach P. D. Prasadi is overlooking the training aspect of the team.
She has already given the National players a ‘workout schedule’ to practice from home during these days. Prasadi an ex-army and National player represented Sri Lanka in many events and was voted as the fifth best shooter at the 1995 Netball World Cup in Birmingham where Prince Charles was the chief guest.
“However we need a permanent coach for the team and I have proposed to the NFSL that we should call for entries next week with the blessings of the Sports Ministry,” said Victoria. She said that young coaches have infused new thinking and techniques to team players which resulted in several victories in recent times. “Hence we will give preference to young coaches to be selected to the National netball coach slot.”
Victoria also said that once the coach is selected they hope to give her the opportunity to guide the Sri Lanka team for the 2022 international netball tournaments.
The NFSL will also field the new national coach for several overseas training programs to sharpen her skills.
Asked to comment on the Annual General meeting she said that the Sports Ministry has indicated to them that the present officials could continue until July/August until such time the pandemic is under control.
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