Sports
Sri Lanka reaps rewards for banking on homegrown rugby coaches
By A Special Sports Correspondent
Sri Lanka finished its participation at the Asia Rugby Men’s Division 1 tournament with flying colours, but there are concerns whether the islanders can hold on to this momentum they created in this four-nation tournament.
The concerns are whether the island’s players chosen to perform national duty can think of a national level commitment in the months and weeks to come. All these players are owned by clubs and whether they’ll be released for a national level training programme is a dicey question to be answered from an administrator’s point of view. Also Sri Lanka cannot conveniently return to club rugby and forget national rugby when there is a ready-made invitation for them to join the best four Asian nations in the world and contest the Asia Men’s Rugby Championship next season.
Anyway, the three coaches Sanath Martis, Nilfer Ibrahim and Dushanth Lewke are full time rugby coaches and are working closely with the players from both schools and clubs. They eat, drink and sleep rugby; hence there is no surprise if Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) continues with this three-man combination when the time comes again to prepare the national team for future international assignments. The fact that this writer wishes to underscore is that Sri Lanka proved to the ‘Asia rugby world’ that the islanders have enough home-grown talent when it comes to selecting a coaching panel and also players for international tournaments and don’t have to rely on ‘foreigners’.
But going alone is difficult. Outside influence is essential. If Sri Lanka doesn’t want to capitalize on the ‘foreigners’ eligibility to represent another nation facility’ then the SLR must think of giving our players more exposure at international rugby events. Just a few days ago in Singapore-just after the conclusion of the HSBC ‘Singapore Sevens’- the rugby unions of Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei and Philippines signed a Memorandum of Understanding to be engaged in a 15-a-side rugby tournament (For the Unions Cup) to promote the long version of rugby union. Sri Lanka must also think of doing the same with teams like Pakistan, India and also by roping in any other Asian nation team which might want to complete the line-up and gain some mileage in the sport. As for all the Asian rugby teams, exposure is one key factor which will aid in their future journeys in rugby.
If we just take a peep into the Asia Rugby Men’s Championship (featuring the best four teams of Asia like Hong Kong China, Malaysia, South Korea and United Arab Emirates) Hong Kong China is the hot favourite to win this year’s series set to be held in Hong Kong from June 1-24. For the record Hong Kong China Rugby (HKCR)-the governing body for rugby in Hong Kong China-has drawn up a ten-year strategic plan to develop its rugby and be counted in the rugby world. HKCR has also earmarked a South American tour for its players which will feature a match against Chile and another opponent. This is food for thought for Sri Lanka Rugby.
The three coaches who formed the coaching panel for Sri Lanka comprised (from
left) Dushanth Lewke, Sanath Martis and Nilfer Ibrahim (Picture courtesy SLR)
Sri Lankans are cock-a-hoop now having won the Asia Rugby Division 1. And even before the Sports Minister of the country could promise any reward, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has come forward to boost rugby at home with a ‘gift’ of US$ 30,000 in appreciation of the recent accomplishment in rugby. All these happenings also bring along hope for some change in the way of thinking in the higher echelons of rugby in Sri Lanka. Now the SLR must keep Sri Lanka’s national rugby in the news and not brag about getting sponsors and running a club rugby tournament. Sri Lanka moved three places up to a World ranking of 41 in 15a-side rugby. And Sri Lanka must hold on to this place in international rugby at any cost. There are critics who have already aired the view that the three coaches must be looked after and honoured for their contributions made towards this recent national rugby achievement. If someone asks Martis whether he is ‘Sri Lanka coach’ or ‘National coach’ I am sure the great man would be lost for an answer. In reality he is Sri Lanka coach; a one-off appointment as the person in charge of the national team for this single tournament and he is technically released of his responsibilities now. But if the SLR signs a long-term agreement with him to be in charge of the national team then he would be tied down with the players and forced to draw up plans to keep the players’ focus on the international rugby scene and overseas tournaments. What would happen to his present role as a school cum club coach then and all the earning opportunities he enjoys? The same can be said about Lewke and Ibrahim.
No rugby picture is complete if proper homework is not done. In terms of looking at the entire Asian segment and where it places itself in the world rugby scene, we must check the movements of Japan. The ‘Cherry Blossoms’ is the big brother when it comes to rugby in Asia, but this nation has now moved to a different segment of the game; which is the World Cup ‘Pacific Challenge’. Japan won this tournament recently which featured teams like Manuma Samoa, Tonga ‘A’ and Fiji ‘Warriors’. This tournament featured predominantly under 23 players in keeping with WR regulations.
Coming back to the tournament held in Colombo at the Race Course, the rugby event attracted 20,000 spectators. The grandstand was packed to capacity and rugby fans at home saw a display of rugby by the national team which pulled at their heartstrings. As for rugby in Sri Lanka the crowds are back. There is interest again in national rugby. And it’s the responsibility of the entire rugby fraternity to keep the ‘Lion flag’ flying in the sport of rugby union. To top it all up- like putting a cherry on a cake- the Asian Rugby Tournament that Sri Lanka hosted was termed a ‘Green Event’ with a tree planted for each try that was scored in the tournament. Suddenly all eyes are on the Sri Lanka rugby team and it’s a nice feeling to wait till this applause fades away before the ‘players’ can think of work again.
Boualem Khoukhi scored an equalising goal on a header in the fourth minute of stoppage time, and Qatar spoiled a dominant day by Switzerland in a 1-1 draw in Group B of the World Cup.
Several of the Qatari players fell to the ground on Saturday in celebration of the late goal, as others ran to each other to embrace.
Breel Embolo scored for Switzerland from the penalty spot in the first half just over a week after being cleared to enter the US following a visa delay, but the Swiss failed to capitalise on multiple other scoring chances.
In the 13th minute, Embolo was fouled by Qatar goalkeeper Mahmoud Abunada, who received a yellow card on the play. Abunada lay face down and appeared motionless for a couple of minutes before he began to move his legs and was able to stand up again.
When Embolo calmly sent his penalty into the upper left corner in the 17th minute, it sent the red-clad Swiss fans into a dancing frenzy in the stands of San Francisco Bay Area Stadium.
The 29-year-old forward applied for an urgent visa at the United States embassy in Bern on June 3, one day after he was denied boarding the team’s flight to travel for his third World Cup because of a 2018 criminal conviction that was only finalised in April.
Switzerland dominated the possession game on an unseasonably warm June afternoon — with sprinklers running during a first-half break.
There were thousands of empty seats scattered throughout Levi’s Stadium, home of the NFL’s San Francisco 49ers. Brazil and Colombia drew 70,971 two years ago in a group match at the Copa America. The stadium in Santa Clara staged the Super Bowl only four months ago.
(Aljazeera)
Nestory Irankunda and Connor Metcalfe have scored as Australia have spoiled Turkiye’s return to the World Cup for the first time in 24 years with a 2-0 victory.
Goalkeeper Patrick Beach made eight saves for the Socceroos in their group opener on Saturday night as FIFA President Gianni Infantino looked on in Vancouver, Canada.
Australia coach Tony Popovic pulled off a huge shock in his starting lineup, dropping experienced captain and goalkeeper Maty Ryan in favour of Beach, winning only his third cap.
Vice captain Jackson Irvine was also dropped in favour of 21-year-old midfielder Paul Okon-Engstler in a starting XI that featured 10 World Cup debutants.
Both of those selections proved to be inspired as Beach pulled off a string of fine saves to deny Turkiye, who dominated possession and territory but could not find a way past the Australian goalkeeper.
Okon-Engstler, meanwhile, was instrumental in setting up the opening goal in the first half, unleashing a long ball that split the Turkish defence and sent Irankunda racing in on goal to score.
Turkiye – playing in the World Cup for the first time since finishing third at the 2002 tournament – arrived in North America dreaming of making a serious run in the knockout rounds.
But their talented team, made up largely of players who regularly compete in the European Champions League, were unable to get to grips with a well-organised Socceroos lineup.
One of Turkiye’s best chances came in the 27th minute when Real Madrid’s Arda Guler forced a smart save from Beach with a rasping shot.
Just seconds after that chance, though, Australia took the lead.
Beach picked out Okon-Engstler deep in the Australia half, and the midfielder pumped the ball upfield for Irankunda.
The Australia winger still had plenty to do, but a clever first touch took him clear of the covering defence before he tucked away a low finish.
Irankunda celebrated by sprinting to the edge of the pitch and pretending to box the corner flag, mimicking former Australia skipper Tim Cahill’s signature goal celebration.
Turkiye thought they had equalised three minutes later after Abdulkerim Bardakci’s pile-driver from outside the area hurtled towards goal.
But Beach got the slightest of fingertips on the ball to divert it onto the post, and Australia survived again.
Beach kept up his commanding form in the second half, turning a Guler free kick wide for a corner on 57 minutes.
With Beach continuing to make save after save, Australia made the game safe in the 75th minute when Metcalfe picked the ball up in midfield, advanced on goal and shot home from 23 metres (25 yards).
“Unreal. It is a dream come true. We have got the win now,” said Irankunda, the youngest men’s World Cup scorer for Australia and not a definite starter before kickoff.
“It feels amazing. You have got to thank the staff, thank the nation. They have got the belief in me.
Australia are playing in their sixth straight World Cup and seventh overall.
The Socceroos fell to France in the opener in Qatar four years ago, but then beat Tunisia and Denmark in their group before getting knocked out by eventual champions Argentina in the round of 16.
It is the third World Cup appearance for Turkiye, who reached the tournament for the first time in 1954.
The teams are in Group D with the United States and Paraguay. The Americans thrashed Paraguay 4-1 in their group opener on Friday in Los Angeles.
(Aljazeera)
The New York Knicks won the National Basketball Association championship for the first time in over 50 years, sending the city and fans into a frenzy after the long-awaited victory.
The Knicks clinched the title on Saturday night against the San Antonio Spurs, 94-90, in the fifth game of the best-of-seven series.
While the game was in Texas, New Yorkers took to their hometown streets in droves to watch and celebrate the milestone for fans and the city.
Some fans also made their way to Texas where the two teams faced off at the Frost Center, the Spurs’ home arena.
Elizabeth Madigan flew to San Antonio from New York Friday night ahead of Saturday’s game.
“I’ve been waiting for this, honestly most of my life. The last time the Knicks won, I was 6 months old, and so I can’t begin to describe how excited I am. It’s been unbelievable,” she said.
“I definitely had my doubts. But we did pull it off. Knicks forever.”
This season has represented a stunning reversal of fortune for the Knicks after decades as one of the worst teams in the league. The last time they made it all the way to the finals was in 1999, also against the Spurs, who ultimately beat them. Their last finals win was even earlier, in 1973.
They held a 3-1 lead in the series heading into Saturday’s game.
One fan who only gave his first name, Max, said that winning the game away from the Knicks’ home arena in New York, Madison Square Garden, isn’t important.
“I don’t think it matters [that they won in Texas]. New York is going crazy right now and there’s a million Knicks fans here right now, so it doesn’t matter.
US President Donald Trump posted congratulations to the team and Knicks owner Jim Dolan, who invited him to game 3 of the series in New York.
“What a year it has been but, even more so, what incredible playoff wins we have all witnessed, especially the last four – Maybe the greatest in the history of basketball,” the post read.
Fans’ anticipation before the game was like a champagne bottle about to pop.
“This city is electric,” said Jake Minicucci, while waiting with friends at a Manhattan sports bar for the game to start. “I’ve never gotten so many head nods, everybody knowing we are in it for the Knicks together.”
The 50-plus year drought was very much on the minds of some Knicks fans including Daniel Brown who said the evening had the potential “to be one of the best nights in the history of this city.”
“I’ve lived here all my life, I’ve never experienced anything like this,” said the 24-year-old.
Fans celebrated into the early hours Sunday morning with crowds taking over parts of Midtown Manhattan, including several blocks near Times Square. Some subway lines were altered with trains skipping stations due to the large crowds.
“HISTORY,” New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani wrote on social media.
A ticker-tape parade and ceremony at City Hall to celebrate the team’s victory is scheduled for Thursday.
Ahead of the game, Mamdani said in a post that the city was working with the Knicks to host watch parties at the Garden, Radio City Music Hall and Wollman Rink.
“As we celebrate, be responsible, look out for one another, stay safe, be smart, and make this a night that reflects the very best of our city,” the mayor said.
His call for safety came after a few instances of violence in New York against Spurs fans, including one assault that landed a fan in the hospital and another in which a fast food worker wearing a Spurs jersey was attacked, according to local reports.
Madigan said that in San Antonio, even as a Knicks fan, she felt welcome.
“Honestly, the San Antonians have been so loving and welcoming despite the obvious competition,” she said.
Ahead of Saturday’s Game 5, fans travelling to San Antonio from New York for the game were furious about possibly getting locked out of the arena.
In a note on its website for the game, Ticketmaster said purchases by those living farther than 150mi (241km) from the San Antonio arena would be cancelled and refunded without notice.
Later Ticketmaster assured fans that no tickets purchased on its platform “have or will be canceled”.
(BBC)
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