Japan shows concern over Asiad security

Asian rugby giants and tournament favourites Japan have expressed concern over the security situation in Sri Lanka ahead of next month’s Rugby Asiad, Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union’s Executive Director Dilroy Fernando told media on Monday.

Fernando however assured that Japan has confirmed their participation, and downplayed the concern showed by them. “Japan had sent me an email asking about the situation after seeing an Australian Travel advisory issued last week on a website against visiting Sri Lanka. But I assured them that the situation is under control and they are happy” Fernando said at a press conference to announce the sponsors of the tournament.

It was not clear how concerned reigning champions Japan were after the suicide attack near Habarana on Monday and in Galle yesterday. Earlier Japan withdrew from the Singer-SriLankan Rugby Sevens in September having initially agreed to send a team.

Fernando told media that a big security plan for the tournament is in place, and said that the International Rugby Board (IRB) which is the world controlling body of the sport has given them the green light to go ahead with the preparations for the tournament that is scheduled to be held from November 17 to 25.

The 19th Asiad which will also serve as the region’s World Cup qualifier, will be called the “Singer” rugby Asiad as one of Sri Lanka’s premier sports sponsors Singer have acquired the status of the “Title sponsor”.

Originally 14 countries were to take part in the tournament, but two teams Pakistan and Iran had later withdrawn from the tournament .

Pakistan pulled out due to financial problems while Iran had failed to send the required details about the team before the deadline.

Sri Lanka will play the plate championships of the tournament along with Arabian Gulf, China, Chinese Taipei, Singapore, Malaysia, India, Kazakhstan and Thailand.

Asia’s top teams Japan, Korea and Hong Kong will take part in the cup championship which also serve as the final selection round for rugby world cup to held in France next year. This will be the first time the Asiad will serve as the World Cup qualifier.

This will also mark the second time Sri Lanka hosting the rugby Asiad which was last held in Colombo in 1990.

Asiad’s Advisory Committee chairman Hemaka Amarasuriya said that Sri Lanka is unlikely to host the tournament again for another 50 years. “Most of us would not be around to witness it the next time. So, we must make the best out of this” he claimed.

The tournament will be played at three venues CR and FC, Longden place, Sugathadasa Stadium and Royal College sports complex.

In addition to Title sponsor Singer, the co-sponsors would be Mobitel, Toyota and Wild Elephant. The product sponsors would be Galadari Hotel, Hemtours, Carlsberg, Zeppelin, Casilan 90, SriLankan Airlines, Excel World, John Keells Holdings and Adidas.