10th National Wushu Officials' Programme from June 1

The National Wushu Judges and Referees Training Programme, conducted for the 10th occasion by Sri Lanka Wushu Federation (SLWF), will be held from June 1 to 5 at the Corporative Development Centre in Telgolla, Kandy.

The President of SLWF, Manel Dharmakeerthi stated that applications are now in the process of being called in from those who are between the ages of 18 to 55.

"They should have definitely competed at national level or must have at least represented Sri Lanka once at an international meet. This programme is open to all genders," Dharmakeerthi explained.

The programme will be conducted in two segments, Taolu and Sanda and an applicant could only chose one out of both. Those who successfully complete the programme will be earn the license to officiate wushu competitions for a period of two years, in addition to an official certificate from SLWF.

"To officiate wushu competitions, licensed officials are appointed. If anyone officiates without a valid license it's a punishable offence," Dharmakeerthi added.

Wushu has been included to the National Schools Sports Festival and the restriction in holding the sanda event, a full-contact version of the sport, for the age category of Under-12, has been revoked recently. To officiate young age categories, officials need to be well equipped with rules and regulations in addition to being sensitive in handling aspiring youngsters with the correct decisions.

"We have also requested the schools section and the schools sports director of the Ministry of Education, to include their officials into this programme, which will be beneficial in the long run," he added.

In addition, those who obtain license through the upcoming programme will be observed by SLWF and promoted to represent the country as officials at South Asian, Asian and i n t e r nat i o n a l p ro - grammes.