Boxing, volleyball needs a helping hand

Boxing and volleyball have been two neglected sports in Sri Lanka in the past. Though the two sports have been very popular internationally as two key disciplines at Olympic Games, they have stagnated in Sri Lanka.

One could say boxing is not a widespread sport in Sri Lanka. But then what about volleyball, which has been our national sport for decades?

Volleyball is a popular sport in all corners of our country but that has mainly been confined to village level. Officials, sponsors and even media should be blamed for the step motherly treatment given to these sports.

Thanks to some keen interest shown by individuals in recent times, these two sports have started blossoming in Sri Lanka. Boxing, from virtually nowhere, has been climbing up the ladder due to the untiring efforts of ABA President Dian Gomes. Similarly, Minister Dilan Perera has been instrumental in rebuilding our image in volleyball and creating a nationwide interest for our national sport.

In fact, involvement of former Royal boxer Gomes is a classic example how an individual could change the destiny of a sport here. True he may be having a good team to back him but the credit for injecting a new boxing culture should go to Gomes. He not only sweated for the betterment of Sri Lanka boxing over the last few years but also has been fully devoted sports administrator, sacrificing his precious time and money.

Gomes' role in promotion of boxing is a classic example to our corrupt sports officials who make sports a way of living. If we can find a few genuine sports administrators of the calibre of Gomes, Sri Lanka sports would not experience the present pathetic situation. Gomes not only has worked tirelessly to promote the ring sport but has also looked into the need of boxers, such as finding employment.

The ABA has created history by fielding two Sri Lankan boxers for World Championships, for the first time ever. It is a landmark in Sri Lanka sports and should open a new era in boxing. There have been a number of top-level national boxers who emerged during last few years.

They have been getting a reasonable amount of foreign exposure too, in addition to the expert guidance of a Cuban national coach.

Gomes has a vision. His dream is to see Sri Lankan boxers enter international arena with distinction. Our boxers have not let him down. They have shown a vast improvement at national and Asian level and if this current trend continues for at least another couple of years, the day Sri Lanka produces an Asian Games or an Olympic finalist is not far away.

Politicians have often sought the top seat of the Volleyball Federation. Perhaps, that may be due to the fact that it is Sri Lanka's national sport with the best village representation. Hence, politicians often think that could be a good mode for them to get into the limelight and further their political careers.

But Minister Dilan Perera seems to have kept his political agendas out of sport and made a worthwhile effort to revive our national sport. Under his dynamic leadership, the Volleyball Federation successfully conducted the DSI Super series.

While his Ministerial colleague Janaka Bandara Tennekoon failed as the Athletic President, even being unable to attract a sponsor for the Sri Lanka National Championship, Minister Dilan Perera has shown his right royal colours in attracting sponsors and organising one of the best ever tournaments in Sri Lankan history.

Volleyball too could go great guns if we provide at least one fourth of the facilities and sponsorships given to cricket. Even most of our sports media are not too keen to give publicity to sports like volleyball or boxing. Even when it comes to finding employment, those who are engaged in our national sport get the worst deal.

The time has come for us to realise the sports which has the greatest world representation must be paid greater attention so that Sri Lanka has a future in the world sports arena.

Most of those who are engaged in sports like volleyball, soccer, athletics or even basketball and boxing are not from affluent families. They are engaged in a battle to make both ends meet. They indulge in these sports due to the love they have and the in-born talents they possess.

Hence, it's our duty to look into the other aspects of their lives so that they could be in a good frame of mind. If we could find solutions to their main problems such as employment and housing, then we could get the best out of them as sportsmen and women.