Standards must improve swiftly

The 77th Police Inter Division Athletic Meet 2012 was held at the Police Grounds, Bambalapitiya amidst a large gathering from March 28 to 30. On March 28, the five-mile road race commenced at 0600hrs after IGP, N.K. Illangakoon, declaring open the athletic meet for the year 2012.

The writer, who battered the Sri Lanka record (then Ceylon) in 400 metres hurdles set by legendary the Late Duncan White, Olympic silver medallist and the 440 yards hurdles during 1962 and holds the unbroken Police record for 400 metres hurdles (which is 49 years since 1963) had the privilege and honour to bear the ‘Olympic Torch’ and light the flame. The other bearer of ‘The Torch’ was Premila Divakara, who excelled in Police athletics. She was the first woman police officer to be promoted to the rank of a gazetted officer. At the time of her retirement, she held the rank of a Superintendent of Police.

Police athletic captain, Sampath Perera, on behalf of the athletes took the oath to abide by the rules and regulations which govern them and desirous of participating in the true spirit of sportsmanship for the honour of the Police and to the glory of the sport.

P.H.D. Waidyathilaka, a senior judge and official of the Amateur Athletic Association of Sri Lanka, took the oath on behalf of the judges and officials that they shall officiate at the Police Athletic Meet with complete impartiality, respecting and abiding by the rules and regulations which govern them in the true spirit of sportsmanship.

The winner of the five-mile road race without breasting the finishing tape crept under it and collapsed and had to be carried away by some athletes. This incident vividly shows the lack of training and improper coaching of participants.

Another incident I watched was during the 4x400 metre relay. The second-lap runners, after receiving the baton from incoming first-lap runners in their respective lanes, should cross over to the first lane after covering the marked zone, but they continued to run in their respective lanes which is a great disadvantage. Unlike in some other sports, in athletics, there are no ‘short-cuts’ to achieve glory. It is one’s sole effort and capability.

The present IGP is a young and capable officer who is well-spoken among police officers of all ranks. The Police meet was well organized and all events took place according to the times given in the programme. However, there was a misprint on page 9 of the souvenir under the heading ‘From the Recorder’s Desk’where my Police record for 400 metres hurdles read as 110 metres, an event in which I have never taken part.

Hon. Chamal Rajapaksa, a onetime police officer, was the Chief Guest who declared the Police meet closed. In conclusion, may I suggest that the IGP pays his immediate attention to improve the standard of Police Sports to that in the armed-forces. It is only under proper guidance, coaching and with necessary facilities that the talented and capable sportsmen and sports women can perform at their best when pooled at the Field Force Head Quarters.

Nimal Fernando – SSP (Retd.), Moratuwa.