NISS identifies raw talent for a New National pool

A physical test to identify raw talent among young athletes in order to form a National Pool was conducted by the National Institute of Sports Science (NISS) at Torrington grounds on tuesday (16th)

According to the Director of NISS and veteran coach Sajith Jayalal, the initial programme is expected to select about 20 athletes between the ages of 18 to 22 who will undergo two years of training in a residential camp where food and accommodation will be provided. Hand in hand they will also go through an academic programme during their residential training providing much needed sports related education along with IT and English education. This will run as an annual programme with plans to take a new batch each year.

Jayalal also said they have a master plan of finding them jobs after two years to help them proceed with sports as professionals by finding companies which gives the freedom for athletes to train and continue with sports during their sporting career. In that way athletes too will have a proper job once they retire from sports where they don’t have to worry about their future.

As for Jayalal, he conducted a similar programme when he was at the National Youth Council with great success and is positive he can find hidden talent among youngsters and polish it to win international medals for Sri Lanka.

Several physical tests including running and jumping were carried out to determine the eligibility as well as suitable events for them.

Cuban coach Luis Miranda Ramirez and many others were involved in the testing process along with Jayalal and NISS officials.