By Dhammika Ratnaweera
A disappointed sports minister Faizer Mustapha expressed his disgust the way Sri Lankan cricket team fared at the Asia Cup tournament in UAE following their back to back defeats against Bangladesh and Afghanistan within three days.
“Winning or loosing is normal for any other sport. But the way we lost to Bangladesh and Afghanistan was never expected.” said minister Mustapha emphasizing that unlike other sports in the country cricket had got all the facilities in place for improved performances. “When it comes to cricket, no one can lament with the sports ministry, I like to know what had happened to our cricket team. we are planning to discuss with everyone tomorrow” said an angry minister.
The minister of sports also spoke about the below-par performances at the recently concluded Asian Games in Jakartha. “We initially wanted to send a small group targeting the medals, but later wanted to give exposure and approved 180 plus contingent and they too returned without a single medal” said Mustapha adding that it had taught a good lesson for the future and that the ministry of sports is not a bank that would throw away money for nothing.
Talking about the Sri Lankan netball team, who were recently crowned as the Asian champions, the sports minister said that netball was the only silver lining and they have been consistent always in the past as well. “it is time to concentrate on developing the facilities for netball, a sport that has a lot of potential as a nation”. added Mustapha. The sports minister assured that he will assume all his ministerial powers and continue with the services of coach Thilaka Jinadasa for the netball team.
“It is high time that I take the baton now and get myself running around the ground to make sure that everything in the right place in sports in Sri Lanka.” said
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