By Samiddha Kalmith Rathnayake
Lankan slicers to India
Carrom, the game of the commoner was never popular in the international arena. While the country’s main focus is on cricket it is really sad to see that sports of this calibre is not getting the prominence it deserves.
A fact that most Sri Lankans don’t know is that we are in a much strong position in this sport when compared to the rest of the world.
India, the kings of this game of disc are the sole challengers the locals will get when it comes to international competitions. The picture remains the same when the six-member Sri Lankan team competes at the 11th SARC Championship and the second Asian Carrom Championship in Nagpur.
Rohini Mathiasz, once a talented player who won many championships is now referee and she will be the chief referee for the Asian Carrom Championship this time around.
“A team comprising three men and three women players will be leaving the country on August 29. R. Athauda will be the manager of the team and Langley (Mathiasz) and I will be going as the officials for the tournament,” she said.
“The Carrom Federation understandably runs with the money that they collect from their well wishes,” said Rohini. “The money for a tour of this manner was collected through donations and the Sports Ministry only provides the tickets for the tour, she said in despair.
According to Rohini, the only challenge the locals have India; can be conquered if they initially get the required support from the officials.
The SARC Championship which will be held from September 1-3 will feature all the SARC nations. The Asian Carrom Championship will be the next goal for the local team where 10 countries will fight for supremacy from September 4-8.
“If someone can come forward and offer us with a sponsorship it will be really great,” Rohini said hopefully.
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