Displaying a kind gesture towards other sport, President Shammi Silva led cricket administration at Maitland Place has decided to sponsor Olympic-bound Sri Lanka contingent participating in the Tokyo games, Cricket Age reliably learns.
Sri Lanka is gearing up to compete at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Originally scheduled to take place from 24 July to 9 August 2020, the Games have been postponed to 23 July to 8 August 2021, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The board has decided to support our athletes in every form and manner it can. The board has always believed in helping in the development Olympic sports. In that spirit, we have decided to sponsor the team, which is participating in the Tokyo Olympics” a top SLC official told Cricket Age.
The year 2020 was nothing but disappointing for Sri Lanka sports lovers, with major series and tournaments being cancelled left, right and center due to the COVID-19 virus. However, 2021 has turned out little better as fans have witnessed Bangladesh and West Series.
“We thought that our small contribution will be helpful for the preparation and other contingency purpose of our elite athletes who have qualified for the Tokyo Games.
With a noble intention of extending a helping hand during the ongoing crisis period due to COVID, the SLC had last week decided to award one year contracts to 50 domestic players as well.
“2021 has also turned out a nightmare for Sportsperson around the globe, as the Coronovirus is creating havoc once again. In Sri Lanka too, situation remains the same. Like any other sport, our domestic calendar has been badly affected due to the pandemic. In this crisis time, being the parent body, by taking the morale responsibility we have unanimously decided to award one year contracts to 50 domestic players including 18 emerging players, who have been performing well over the years” a top SLC official had told Cricket Age.
Notably, recently the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) also pledged Rs. 10 crore for country’s Tokyo Olympics-bound athletes. The decision was taken in its emergent Apex Council meeting.
