ISLAMABAD, March 25: A 178-member Sri Lankan contingent on Thursday arrived here to participate in the upcoming 9th SAF Games commencing on March 29. The officials of SAF Games Organising Committee warmly received the Sri Lankans at Islamabad International Airport.
To reporters questions, the Sri Lankan athletes said they would compete to the best of their abilities though Pakistanis might take some advantage of home conditions.
"The home ground as well as crowd will definitely work for the hosts' advantage," said former World Championship silver- medallist sprinter Jaya Singha. She has been representing Sri Lanka in 100, 200 and 400 meters in athletics.
She said the Sri Lankan athletes had been working hard for the Olympics this year and had good chance of gold medal in view of their strenuous training before coming here".
Vice President Sri Lankan Olympic Association, Deva Henry, said his contingent comprised many athletes who had given impressive performance at various international events including Olympics.
He lauded SAF organisers for successfully holding the mega event and termed it a good forum to promote peace and goodwill in the region. Sri Lankan head of the delegation, Reza Latif, who arrived ahead of the contingent, said Pakistan was trying its utmost to make the 9th edition an unaparalled success in the history of the SAF Games.
"Everything is in place. I was really amazed to see the arrangements today," he added. He said the Games are meant for friendship and to promote true sportsmen spirit among the players. Besides Pakistan and India, Sri Lank will contest in all 15 disciplines of the SAF Games. -APP
