The team, representing both boys and girls from Under 13 through Under 19, was selected from junior national trials conducted by the Sri Lankan Squash Federation (SLS). The top-ranked Sri Lankan junior players were invited for trial selection held in early April this year, and the top 4 rated players selected out of trials are representing each age group in their respective categories.
After the selection process, SLS conducted a mandatory 12-week intensive training clinic for all selected players, conducted by the coach appointed for the tour, Gihan Suwaris. Suharis, himself a former top-ranked Sri Lankan player and an Asian junior veteran, had specific programs designed for each age group. A highlight of the tour preparations was in addition to the match practice, strategy training, the mental approach to the game, was addressed by SLS. SLS organised motivation programs for the team to condition players for the international playing conditions. The players were also acclimated to playing in air-conditioned courts as per international standards. The teams are carrying a mix of experienced tour players who are hopefuls, and also newcomers in the junior entry categories. SLS President Ajith Abesekara commenting, said: “2019 has seen a new program for a more organised approach to the game with game development and player success in mind. We have started seeing an improvement in results in both team and individual results in the Asian arena. From the Asian individual tour 2019 we hope to see further improvement of results and identification of potential players for future build-up.”
Tour manager Dhammika Wijesundara said that with the level of preparedness and training put into the current contingent, he is very confident and optimistic that they can make an impression on the Asian junior event this time.
Another noteworthy development is that after a long break, Sri Lanka Squash also has secured places for two referees to be among the referee panel for the Asian Junior Individual Championship, enabling the Sri Lankan Squash referees to get a wide range of exposure in the international circuit.
Sports Minister Harin Fernando, who met the contingent before their departure, wished the team the best, and had words of encouragement to the contingent.
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