Sports

Indonesia’s hosting rights for U-20 World Cup, stripped

Published

2 months ago

March 30, 2023

editor

Fifa has stripped Indonesia of hosting rights for the Under-20 World Cup.

The decision follows the cancellation of the official draw for the tournament, which was due to be held in Bali last Friday.

The Football Association of Indonesia (PSSI) said Fifa was forced to cancel the draw after Bali’s governor Wayan Koster refused to host the Israeli team.

The U20 World Cup is set to take place from 20 May to 11 June.

Indonesia does not have any formal diplomatic ties with Israel and recently protesters have held marches demanding Israel be stopped from competing in the tournament, in support of Palestine.

Indonesia were awarded hosting rights in 2019, before Israel qualified for the tournament. England’s U20 team is also set to compete.

“Fifa has decided, due to the current circumstances, to remove Indonesia as the host of the Fifa U20 World Cup 2023,” a Fifa statement said.

“A new host will be announced as soon as possible, with the dates of the tournament currently remaining unchanged. Potential sanctions against the PSSI may also be decided at a later stage.”

Half an hour before Fifa’s announcement, PSSI executive committee member Arya Sinulingga said he was “very pessimistic” about Indonesia keeping the hosting rights.

“If we make political requirements in sports, it’ll always be like this. We will be exiled from the football ecosystem.

“It’s very tough for all of us. We’re headed into a calamity in sports. We have to separate football or sports and politics.”

(BBC News)

Sports

Sri Lanka defeats Afghanistan by 2-1

Published

2 days ago

June 7, 2023

editor

Sri Lanka comprehensively defeated Afghanistan by 9 wickets to win the third and final One-Day International at the Sooriyawewa International Stadium in Hambantota to seal the series 2-1.

Chasing a paltry target of 117, the Lankans reached the target in 16 overs losing the wicket of Pathum Nissanka.

Opener Dimuth Karunaratne top scored with an unbeaten 45-ball 56 while Nissanka hit 51 off 34 deliveries.

The pair put on 84 runs for the opening wicket.

Earlier after opting to bat first, Afghanistan was bundled out for 116.

Former skipper Mohammad Nabi top scored for the Afghans with a run-a-ball 23.

Sports

Technical Committee appointed for LPL 2023

Published

2 days ago

June 7, 2023

editor

Sri Lanka Cricket has appointed a four-member Technical Committee for the fourth edition of Lanka Premier League (LPL) 2023 scheduled to commence on July 30.

The Technical Committee members are:

Bandula Dissanayake – Chairman
Shane Fernando – Member
Tharanga Paranavitana – Member
Tyron Wijewardena – Member/Secretary

The role of the technical committee is to ensure that the tournament is conducted according to the rules and regulations set by Sri Lanka Cricket.

Sports

SL wins another Gold!

Published

4 days ago

June 5, 2023

editor

Sri Lanka has won a Gold medal in the 4x400m Mixed Relay event at the 20th Asian U-20 Athletics Championships, being held in Yecheon, South Korea.

Tharushi Karunarathna, Jayeshi Uththara, Vinod Ariyawansha and Shehan Dilranga took part in the event representing Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan team finished first place with a time of 3:25.41 followed by South Korea taking the Silver (3:28.30) and India taking the Bronze (3:30.13).

Earlier today, Tharushi Karunarathna clinched the Gold medal in the Women’s 800m event while Malith Yasiru won the Bronze medal in the Men’s Triple Jump event.

This brings Sri Lanka’s total medals tally to five (2 Gold, 1 Silver & 2 Bronze).