Sri Lanka’s target is Gold at SAG Archery but India and Bangladesh are a big challenge

By Susil Premalal 

The Sri Lanka Archery Association has targeted a 16 member squad for the South Asian Games (SAG) in December in Kathmandu, Nepal.  Eight males and eight females will be included in the squad. Currently 12 members have been selected which includes eight males and four females. Training has been scheduled for Diyagama, and the other four females ll be selected in the near future.   The squad has been selected from a 28 member pool.  A British consultant coach is currently in the island to train them. He will be in Sri Lanka until 2020. The Ministry of Sports has estimated Rs. 13,446,400 to purchase equipments. Rs.1,000,000 has been approved to date. 

Archery commenced in the island at the start of 2000 and was included in the SAG in 2006. There are about 600 archers in the Island and about 200 are taking part in national level competitions. 

They are mainly in the three Forces and Police. In addition  Colombo, Badulla, Bandarawela, Kurunegala and Matara also possess archers.  Major Bandula Serasinghe, Secretary, Sri Lanka Archery Associaton, is in charge of the Archery Pool. 

There is a problem regarding training in Diyagama due to the lack of facilities. After it is solved training is due to commence. Sri Lanka targets at least one SAG Gold Medal, India and Bangladesh are superior to Sri Lanka in the sport.  At the last SAG  edition Sri Lanka won two Silvers. They were by the Men and Women team events.