Sports Minister Harin holds discussions to host SAG in Sri Lanka

4 December 2023 04:28 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 7 Bookmark

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By: Susil Premalal

Colombo, Dec. 4 (Daily Mirror) - The Minister of Sports, Harin Fernando, last week instructed the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) to look into the possibility of holding the 14th South Asian Games (SAG) 2024 in Sri Lanka.

In a special discussion held with the Ministry of Sports officials of NOCSL and top athletic, rugby, and football officials called by the Minister, the NOCSL authorities were given the instructions, Director General, Department of Sports Development, Dr. Shemal Fernando, told the Daily Mirror.

After the 2019 Kathmandu SAG could not be held until now, hosting the 14th SAG was assigned to the Pakistan Olympic Association by the South Asian Games Federation.

Accordingly, the Pakistan Olympic Association and Pakistan Government had decided to hold the SAG 14th edition in March 2023 in Lahore and Punjab Province, but due to various problems within the country, it is reported that a situation has arisen that it cannot be held even in 2024.

However, it has not been officially announced whether Pakistan will host the SAG or not.

The minister has advised that NOCSL should intervene and host SAG in Sri Lanka as the sportspersons in the region are getting overage due to the fact that SAG is not held on time and postponed year after year.

The sports minister has also indicated that he is ready to provide all possible support from the sports ministry and the state level.

According to SAG history, Islamabad has hosted the Games twice before, in 1989 and 2004, and this is the third time they would be hosts.

Sri Lanka has also hosted SAG before, in 1991 and 2006.

As the 2024 Paris Olympic Games are scheduled to be held from July 26 to August 11, sports experts say that the best time to hold SAG 2024 is in November or December in Sri Lanka.

Before hosting the SAG 14th Edition, the search for solutions to many issues, including ground facilities, should be started immediately.

Comments - 7

Sunil Monday, 04 December 2023 04:53 PM

Harin borrow money from China or ADB. The only way you can finance mega the loss event.

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Buddhist Monday, 04 December 2023 05:08 PM

How stupid is this? Organizing any such event would cost the country more than it can earn. So when the country is bankrupt why do we need these thamashas?

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Sambo Monday, 04 December 2023 07:51 PM

This what he is capable of. Not resolving the problems of all sports in this country. His appointment is just an eye wash. He cannot do nothing to solve the cricket issue. If you cannot beat them, join them.

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Jude Tuesday, 05 December 2023 07:31 AM

This guy is an idiot, country is bankrupt and he wants to spend money that we don't have!!! This scumbag proving that he's low class low-level low-life SOB yeah.

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Ruwan Tuesday, 05 December 2023 09:51 AM

This is an excellent idea if it can be done. The country needs tourists and USDs in bundles at this time. Meanwhile the opposition is clueless as usual.

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Manik Ranasinghe - School Cricket coach Tuesday, 05 December 2023 10:57 AM

Mr. Harin Fernando, I bet you man - you cannot achieve even 5% of former Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe contributed for SriLankan Sports.

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ChildOfGod Tuesday, 05 December 2023 05:55 PM

Minister trying to WALK in his position before learning to CRAWL. CHINA will offer to build a state-of-the-art Stadium.

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