SriLankaAirForceSportsCouncil)

The conduct of NSAs in Sri Lanka has reached a low ebb, due to the shortsightedness of its administrators. At present, we do not see most NSAs having a proper vision, either short term or long term, thus just going ahead routinely conducting the tournament calendar. Decades ago, other South Asian countries which were behind Sri Lanka in most of the disciplines, have now caught up and are even performing better than us. The vital factor missing in the Sri Lankan context, according to my understanding, is the lack of a proper mix in the respective national bodies. With the teaming up of groups, in order to be selected at the elections, most NSAs thereafter, try to take revenge from the opposing group. This leads to a number of top administrators, coaches and, at times, players being sidelined. As the aim of the group in power is to conduct the affairs of the NSA on their own, they purposely ignore most others, who could contribute handsomely in uplifting the Sport discipline. Number of factors contribute for a Sport to prosper. Steps to uplift infrastructure, enhancing participants at school level, adding value to present culture, thereby encourage parents to guide children towards the said discipline, financial incentives for players and participation at national/international competitions, and availability of capable sponsors, are few important factors in this respect. However, now we see a situation where the Ministry of Sports has to be the main sponsor of most Sports in the country. Many National teams struggle to proceed overseas for international championships and, if not for the finances provides by the ministry, these teams are not in a position to send a contingent even to India. Actually, these finances are the valuable money that can be utilised to improve infrastructure or, to provide nour- ishment or, Sports equipment to talented players. Or else, the promising players and coaches could be provided with international training stints, using these finances. So, it is up to the NSAs to find money for these international competitions. Although, NSAs boast of their commitments in looking after National sportsmen and women, it is not so. Other than Cricketers and Rugby players, most National level Sports personnel are looked after by the Tri-Services i.e. Army, Navy and the Air Force. For example, 99% of National Athletes are employed in the Defence Services. If not for the Defence Services, most Sports in the country may have died a natural death by now. Not only a decent salary, every facility to improve their performance, including accommodation, nourishment, playing gear, equipment, medical care, coaching, mentoring and insurance are provided by the Defence Services, apart from providing many overseas exposure at competitions. In my opinion, it should be the NSAs which should take the lead role in developing National Sports, without planning and engaging in activities for their own benefit. Although these bodies are appointed for a 2-year term, they start competing for re-election even prior to completing their first year in office. These days, we hear many stories of the huge expenses involved in winning votes. So, it is up to the authorities to take meaningful measures to prevent these elements from destroying National Sports and ensure that all stakeholders unite in one objective to develop the country’s Sports, a dream that we all have in common. In that, every effort should be made to bring in professionalism to these NSAs, by encouraging leading personnel from the corporate sector, military top brass and sports stars of yesteryear, to join hands with the existing NSAs.