Reviving Excellence: Sri Lanka Gymnastic Association Presents Junior National Gymnastic Championship on December 17 and 18
After a hiatus of five years, the anticipation is building as the Sri Lanka Gymnastic Association gears up to reintroduce excitement with the Junior National Gymnastic Championship on December 17 and 18. The tournament, taking place at the Torrington Indoor Stadium and the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, marks the resurgence of this event, which was put on hold since 2018 due to internal conflicts among previous association officials.
Under the dynamic leadership of Sri Lanka Gymnastic Association President and lawmaker Premanath C Dolawatta, along with Secretary Udara Liyanwala and the dedicated Executive Committee members, the association is enthusiastic about orchestrating a comprehensive schedule of competitions. The focus is not only on the successful execution of the event but also on showcasing the association's renewed commitment to the sport of gymnastics.
Approximately 750 young gymnasts are expected to participate, with the association aiming to select a Junior National pool consisting of 10 girls and 10 boys. This selected group will undergo specialized training in preparation for the Asian Junior Gymnastic Championship scheduled in Uzbekistan in May 2024. The championship will feature Junior-level age categories, including divisions for girls Under-13 and Under-15, and boys Under-15 and Under-16.
Representing 20 affiliated gymnastic associations, including the Schools Gymnastic Association, the participating gymnasts will vie for recognition and the opportunity to contribute to the future of gymnastics in Sri Lanka. Udara Liyanwala, Secretary of the Sri Lanka Gymnastic Association, emphasized the significance of the event, stating, 'This is a crucial meet for our budding gymnasts. With no competitions held in the last five years, this tournament provides a platform for them to showcase their talent.'
Liyanwala underscored the strategic importance of the championship, explaining, 'This is the meet where we can identify Sri Lanka’s junior athletes. As the Sports Ministry has requested a 10-year future plan, we aim to form a junior pool from this tournament. This pool will be vital for the future of gymnastics in Sri Lanka, setting the stage for a promising era in the sport.
In conclusion, the eagerly anticipated return of the Junior National Gymnastic Championship in Sri Lanka on December 17 and 18 marks a significant revival after a five-year hiatus. The event, spearheaded by the proactive leadership of Sri Lanka Gymnastic Association President Premanath C Dolawatta and Secretary Udara Liyanwala, symbolizes a renewed commitment to the sport. With approximately 750 young gymnasts expected to participate, the championship not only promises thrilling competitions but also serves as a vital platform for budding talents to showcase their skills.
The ambitious goal of selecting a Junior National pool, comprising 10 girls and 10 boys, demonstrates the association's forward-looking approach. This selected group's training and preparation for the upcoming Asian Junior Gymnastic Championship in Uzbekistan in May 2024 underscore the association's dedication to nurturing talent for international competition.
As the championship unfolds, the event becomes a crucial stepping stone for identifying and fostering Sri Lanka's junior athletes. With a broader vision outlined by the Sports Ministry, including a 10-year future plan, the championship aims to contribute significantly to the future of gymnastics in Sri Lanka. The tournament not only signifies a return to competitive gymnastics but also sets the stage for a promising era, emphasizing the pivotal role of junior athletes in shaping the sport's landscape in the country.