South Asia Gateway Terminals will empower the Sri Lanka Rugby Women’s team as the official sponsor ahead of the Olympic qualifiers that will be worked off in Hong Kong this weekend.
This is a continuation of the profound empowerment given by the SAGT group who are a leading logistic partner in the Colombo port towards rugby and will no doubt aid in restructuring women’s rugby in the country. Women’s rugby in Sri Lanka saw a start in the early 1970’s and took three decades for the first international competition that took place in 2000 when the Griffins team from USA paid a visit to Sri Lanka.
Photo Album – SAGT empowers lady Tuskers
Speaking at the press conference held in recognition of the sponsorship between SAGT and the SLRFU, president of the Sri Lanka Rugby Football Union Asanga Senenvirathne gave an insight on to the progress shown by the nation ever since the new take over in 2011 with Sri Lanka topping the ranks in the Asia in the sport.
“When we took over Sri Lanka were within 8th and 12th in the Asian rankings but since then we have climbed the ladder to be third in Asia.”
While Asanga applauded the effort put into the Men’s game, he lamented on the performance of the women. The Lankan ladies have not been able to hit the peak in their game in the recent performances but with the new development program in tact with the arrival of the former England national cap Katherine `Kat`Merchant as the new head coach for the ladies, this could be a start to greater things.
The current women’s national team primarily consists of representatives from the forces but with over 20 school teams and 12 school clubs registered with the SLRFU, the future in women’s rugby looks fruitful. Further adding on the developments of the women’s rugby, President Senevirathne pointed out that sports ministry will be aiding the SLRFU to host a similar version of Carlton Sevens next year and it will feature a women’s category for the first time.
The Lady Tuskers left for Hong Kong last night with intentions of victory and getting themselves through to a certain reach at the upcoming Hong Knong Olympic qualifying series. The Hong Kong leg will be followed up by the second leg in Japan that will be the decisive leg that decides who would get the berth for Rio in 2016.
Former Royal College, CR & FC, Kandy and National player Ted Mutiah who is currently the Chief Commercial Officer of SAGT added these words in respect to the partnership.
“Women in rugby are just as women in our industry- the maritime industry. Theyhave been trailblazers in a traditionally male dominated arena. Team SAGT is very pleased to partner onto the international stage. It will be a proud occasion for all of us”
The press conference was graced by the Honourbable Minister of Sports Dayasiri Jayasekara who applauded the efforts of the rugby administration in carrying out proceedings in a smooth manner and for taking rugby to a higher standard from it was. He also added that he will fix the regulations pertaining to the sports regulations within the course of the year and the upcoming year will be a glorious year for sports.
SAGT group will be ThePapare.com’s partner in the upcoming Hong Kong Olympic qualifier series. Rugby’s home ThePapare.com will be bringing you exclusive coverage from the Hong Kong stadium as it happens this weekend.
