Asian Games Teams

Sri Lanka to send large team for Asian Games

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2010-11-05 12:29

COLOMBO, SRI LANKA - Sri Lanka will send a contingent of 104 athletes for the 16th Asian Games scheduled to take place in China's southern city of Guangzhou from November 12-27, a minister said.

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"Sri Lanka has had a good relationship with China ," Sports Minister C.B. Ratnayake said, "We are sending such a large team to show our solidarity to China ."

Although the country is not expected to win many medals, the athletes should do their level best to challenge the other competitors,the minister said Wednesday at the National Olympic Committee.

The Chinese ambassador to Sri Lanka Yang Xiuping was there too to wish athletes "all the best of luck".

"I'm sure China will host one of the most successful games. And by taking part in the games you (athletes) are strengthening our friendship," said Yang.

The Sri Lankans will vie in events such as athletics, archery, badminton, beach volleyball, boxing, cricket, cycling, golf, gymnastics, rowing, rugby, sailing, shooting, squash, swimming, synchronised swimming, taekwondo, table tennis, tennis, weightlifting, karate and wushu.

Sri Lanka, winning one silver medal and two bronze medals in the 15th Asian Games held in Doha in 2006, expects medals from from team captain and golfer Mithun Perera, middle distance runner Chaminda Wijekoon and the cricket team.

The cricket has been introduced for the games for the first time, and Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Bangladesh, the International Cricket Council's Full Members, will play directly in the quarterfinals.