Mahanama rues politicos making a joke of sports | Page 2 | Sunday Observer

Mahanama rues politicos making a joke of sports

5 July, 2020
Roshan Mahanama speaks at Sri Lanka's International Olympic Day celebrations
Roshan Mahanama speaks at Sri Lanka's International Olympic Day celebrations

Former Sri Lanka cricket skipper and international match referee Roshan Mahanama emphasized the role of sports in society and its importance to a country for development and recognition in the world while at the same time regretted that some politicians had made a joke of sports. 

He made the remarks speaking at an event held at the National Olympic Committee (NOC) headquarters to mark International Olympic Day. 

“We have a responsibility to develop sports and take it across the country for future generations. That is our duty.  

“It is also very unfortunate that some people who are in politics have taken sports for a joke,” said Mahanama, one of the few gentlemen in sports to wear the Sri Lanka cap.

He did not specify anyone by name.

Mahanama said he would have liked to see himself as an Olympian but was happy that Susanthika Jayasinghe had that honour to be what he called an “energetic lady”. 

“It is the Olympic dream that is more valued than win or lose,” added Mahanama.  

Susanthika Jayasinghe also graced the occasion and recalled the hardships that she went through on her way to success in achieving an Olympic medal at the Sydney Games in 2000.  

“I used to go through lot of hard work to win an Olympic medal. I always maintained a high level of determination and my dedication was very high to reach my goal,” she said. 

The Japanese ambassador to Sri Lanka, Akira Sugiyama, was the chief guest on the occasion while former sprinter and Sri Lanka rugby player Summa Navaratnam was also present. 

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