Cites lack of support for Sri Lanka Youth Netball team Hyacinth declines responsibility for defeat

 Sri Lanka youth netball team at the airport

By Susil Premalal

Head coach of the Sri Lanka youth netball team, Hyacinth Wijesinghe, stated yesterday that she cannot take responsibility for Sri Lanka’s defeat at the 13th Asian Youth Netball Championship, as she had only served the team for four months under difficult circumstances. 

Speaking to the Daily Mirror, Wijesinghe said, “I cannot be held responsible for the defeat of Sri Lanka at the Asian Youth Netball Tournament when I served only for four months and without proper support.”

The Sri Lanka team, which retained its third-place finish at the tournament, returned to the island early yesterday morning. However, Wijesinghe strongly asserted that the responsibility for the team’s losses lies with certain officials of the Department of Sports Development and former administrators who, according to her, have continued to undermine the sport.

Notably, no official ceremony was organised by either the Ministry of Sports or the Department of Sports Development to welcome the team that secured third place, despite such events being arranged in previous years (2019 and 2023) when Sri Lanka finished in the same position. 

Instead, only a small group of parents and well-wishers gathered at the Bandaranaike International Airport to greet the young players.

Wijesinghe further explained that she and assistant coach P.D. Prasadi began training the team on March 13, overcoming various obstacles without receiving any payments from the Ministry of Sports throughout their tenure. “When we were appointed, ministry officials assured us we would be paid suitable allowances. But no action was taken up to the end of the tournament. We didn’t even have pocket money while in Korea,” she revealed.

However, Wijesinghe was quick to defend her players, saying she would never undermine their abilities. “The girls gave their maximum effort despite the minimal facilities provided. To my knowledge, Sri Lanka was the only team without prior international experience at this tournament. Under such circumstances, maintaining our previous position is commendable,” she said.

She acknowledged Singapore’s dominance at both junior and senior levels in Asian netball, noting that Sri Lanka would face a tough challenge to surpass them in the future. “We must fight hard if we are to overtake Singapore in the years to come,” Wijesinghe added.

She also mentioned her intention to meet the Minister of Sports in the coming days to present a detailed account of the issues faced during the Asian Youth Netball Championship campaign.