Saturday Sep 13, 2025
Saturday Sep 13, 2025
Tuesday, 19 August 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL), in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency and the Sports Ministry, on 15 August launched the first official preparation initiative for Team Sri Lanka ahead of the 3rd Asian Youth Games (AYG) Bahrain 2025.
The Anti-Doping and Safeguarding Workshop, held at the Duncan White Auditorium, Sports Ministry, marked the commencement of the team’s build-up towards the prestigious continental event.
The program commenced with the preliminary introduction of the team officials of Team Sri Lanka for AYG 2025, followed by a series of expert-led sessions designed to prepare athletes for clean, fair, and safe competition. Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency Assistant Director Chamath Srinika delivered an in-depth presentation on anti-doping, stressing the importance of integrity in sport and strict compliance with international regulations.
The Safeguarding segment was jointly conducted by NOCSL Vice President and Gender Equity Committee Chairperson Niloo Jayatilake, along with International Olympic Committee (IOC)-Certified Safeguarding Officers Sivarajah Gobinath and Hiruni Munasinghe. They outlined key measures to ensure the welfare and protection of athletes. Gobinath also led a session on ‘Prevention of Manipulation of Competitions (PMC),’ where he emphasised the importance of integrity in sport and raised awareness on the risks of approaches made to athletes or officials, encouraging them to report such incidents immediately.
The workshop was attended by prominent dignitaries, including NOCSL President Suresh Subramaniam, Secretary General Rifdy Fahmy, Sri Lanka Anti-Doping Agency Chairman Lalisha Kahatapitiya, Director Dr. Shiromi Pilapitiya, Team Sri Lanka Chef de Mission Rear Admiral Manjula Dissanayake, and medical officials Dr. Fariz Ahamed, Dr. K.A.P. Kiriella, and Awarjana De Silva, together with team officials and athletes.
The 3rd Asian Youth Games will be held in Bahrain from 22 to 31 October, bringing together young athletes from across Asia to compete in a spirit of unity, fair play, and mutual respect.
