Nations will only be allowed limited entries for the upcoming South Asian Games, set to commence in December in Nepal, as decided in a meeting that included the National Sports Committees of the participating nations.
In the past, India and Sri Lanka have been leaders in the medal tally, dominating most sports, across events. Athletics, being one of the main medal prospects for Sri Lanka, will face a tough challenge this year with limited entries and an overflowing pool of talent at their disposal.
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8 top nations of South Asia will be in contention once again in the event that attracts over 2000 athletes every two years. Nepal was the maiden host of the event back in 1984 and has won the bid to host again this coming December.
In a meeting that involved all National Sports committees, co-hosted by the South Asian Sports Committee, an unusual motion was brought forth for a vote. The motion being, that not more than 1 athlete per event from each nation will be allowed to compete, with the exemption of the host nation.
After putting the motion through a vote, the 2nd tier nations had majority votes to pass the motion, thereby immediately cutting down allowed entries for the top nations like India and Sri Lanka.
This would mean that the 2nd and 3rd best athletes from each event will have to take the bench with only the top performer from each country allowed to vie for medals.
Nepal, being the host nation, will be exempt from this ruling and will be allowed unlimited entries per event, as was the previous criteria, increasing their chances of finishing in the top 3.
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The Sri Lanka National Athletics squad for the 2019 South Asian Games will be picked based on the athletes’ performances at the National Athletics Championship which is scheduled for mid-August at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
Each athlete will no doubt face immense pressure competing in the Nationals, with their South Asian dreams on the line. While the competition in the local scene will be tight, the question of the competition quality at the South Asian Games is debatable – with potential medal winners being left out of events due to this ruling.
With top athletes been given the axe and prevented from performing at the biggest stage of South Asia, can we witness the best level of competition this year?
What do you think about the ruling?
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