NOC steps up with HPU, but where is the MOS?
Next Champ was unveiled by the NOC (National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka) recently in partnership with Crysbro, the poultry company who has brought about a visionary zeal to the sports firmament in the country. Backing the thrust that the youthful Minister has brought to Sports overall, NOC has stepped up a long term vision so critically necessary for sports to thrive in our land! No quick fixes anymore seems to be the refrain and the stalwarts at the top, NOC President Suresh and Secretary Maxie know only too well from long experience, that athletes need to be moulded in order to bring out well choreographed results, while at the same time ensuring a prosperous life of fulfillment for them and their families, for the sacrifices that must be made.
Olympian medallist Susanthika who heads the High Performance Unit (HPU) at the NOC made an impassioned plea for the athletes while Shehan Ambepitiya, the sprint champ of yesteryear brings a corporate efficiency to the planning and execution that Crysbro management greatly appreciates. So for once, we see an inspired approach to the definition of competitive sports, something sorely lacking in most National Sports Associations (NSA). It was indeed pleasing to hear how the Next Champ Plan is meant to unfold. The HPU consults NSAs and seeks nominations of their best prospects for the 2024 Olympics; so they target 16-year-olds and identify them for the four-year development plan. They then study the records of these athletes minutely, interview them, connect with their present coaches and make a projection for the future, taking into account the Asian, Commonwealth and Olympic standards, so that all are well informed of the projected expectations.
The protein sponsor then steps in with the financial package to sustain this plan, inclusive of overseas exposure so very vital for these athletes to come to terms with the determination and clinical orientation required to match their skills and endeavours with world class sports men and women.
This is an incredibly smart plan that all must support fully, especially the NSAs involved. The handpicked athletes must be put on notice to do their part unfailingly and monitored carefully over the plan period to ensure that they remain on track to achieve the well identified goals. There is very little room for error here as the targets are known and the plan is in place well in advance. If required, overseas exposure can be introduced so that expert coaching and guidance is provided to make up for gaps or the quest for excellence. This endeavour must be commended by all in the land. It is a no-fuss, no-noise, no-nonsense approach focused on precise deliverables.
And so one is left to wonder where the MOS (Ministry of Sports) is on all this lofty ideals? They were indeed conspicuous by their absence, highlighting the fact that the MOS and the NOC do not work together. This column has often lamented the fact that there is no purpose in duplicating effort without mutual goals. All saw in glaring clarity the divisive stance that was taken at the last SAF Games where both parties battled for prominence leaving the athletes in the lurch. Totally unnecessary. What the good minister should push for is a restructure of all sports agencies circulating around the MOS, one overriding the other. Each day a plethora of circulars go out to no avail at all. The MOS must realise that bureaucracy in sports is a frivolous unproductive exercise. If it is the intention that the National Sports Council (NSC) is designed to oversee all sports, then the MOS and NOC must have representation within the NSC. They must cut to the chase and streamline development processes. One may suggest that the MOS provides the administrative interface while the NOC offers the technical muscle. In this manner, an efficient workmanlike organisation will emerge.
This is where the Secretary of the MOS (CEO!) must pursue the necessary initiatives, without falling prey to political skulduggery. He must lead the restructuring with the blessings of the Hon. Minister and offer the example of his own actions by cutting through the red-tape that seems to overwhelm the MOS. The NOC is mostly private sector and they can transform quickly enough because they too must abort the structural corridors that distort their best intentions. If this is realised, then the Next Champs will be all Sri Lankans.