By Susil Premalal

Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA) has informed national coach and personal coaches to commence training the new Elite and National pools from January 4.

The Institute of Sports Medicine (ISM) which comes under the Sports Ministry has given approval for training to be held at Torrington Ground and Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo and in other provinces, SLA president Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Palitha Fernando told the ‘Daily Mirror’.

The new Elite pool and the new National pool were chosen following the 98th National Athletic Championship held from December 26 to 29.

The Elite pool has been reduced from 27 to 21 (10 men, 11 women) while the National pool has been cut from 54 to 20 (14 men, 6 women).

The athletic pools have been formed in preparation for the postponed Tokyo Olympic Games, 24th Asian Athletic Championship in addition to Senior, Youth and Junior competitions.

Meanwhile, SLA is planning to conduct the first selection trial on February 6 targeting the Asian Youth Athletic Championship. 

SLA is also hoping to conduct the 99th National Athletic Championship in April and Junior Nationals in May.

A total of 41 athletes have been chosen for the Elite and National pool.