Sport circles are abuzz over an unusual intervention by the Ministry of Sports to include a female archer for the World Youth Archery Championship which will be held in Canada this August.
The athlete in question is to be included reportedly with special approval from the Sports Minister.
The ministry has not only facilitated the archer’s inclusion bypassing the standard selection process, but has also ensured that she is to be accompanied by both a coach and a female official during the tour.
It is also noted that the designated female official is the athlete’s own mother.
A letter dated 31.03.2025, signed by the Director General of Sports – Shemal Fernando, has been issued to the Secretary of the Sri Lanka Archery Association, calling for the athlete’s inclusion.
The DG has mentioned in the letter that the approval of Sports Minister – Sunil Kumara was also granted for the move.
The basis for the request is said to be also unclear.
According to reports, the said athlete has not even competed in the relevant 60m event during the last local competitions. It is also said that she was in 17th place in the 30m event.
However, the request from the athlete’s side has reportedly pointed out that the girl had been unable to reach the expected performance due to a defect in her bow and had not got another opportunity (due to tournaments not being held). Noting that she would be attending the tournament at her private expense, it has been requested to give her a chance to attend this tournament.
It is said that the Sports Minister’s intervention had come as a result of this.
However, the legality of the DG’s letter is also questioned as all the office bearers of the Sri Lanka Archery Association had announced their resignation on Jan. 09, 2025, citing that the Sports Minister and the Sports DG do not support them.
(Source : Aruna)
