Mysuru: For the first time, promising gymnasts from Sri Lanka underwent four day training at University of Mysore. Later they also took part in the Indo-Srilanka Gymnastic championship organised by Department of Physical Education, UOM.
More than 40 promising gymnasts in the age group between 6 and 14 years from Sri Lanka underwent training under the watchful eyes of international gymnastic coach Arun Patil.
Speaking to Newskarnataka, Arun Patil said, “Promising gymnast representing Gym Kids Club from Srilanka for more training wanted to participate in camp in Mysuru. Along with our gymnast, nearly 40 gymnasts from Srilanka underwent rigorous training. Both Indian counterpart and promising gymnasts from Sri Lanka are equally good. After four day training, to evaluate performance we conducted competition along with the gymnasts representing Mysore University Gymnastic Club. The event in the age group between U-8, U-10, U-12 and U-14 was conducted in three apparatus -Table Vault, Balancing Beam and Floor. These sorts of events especially between the countries are psychological exposure not only to gymnasts but also to their parents.”
He also mentioned that Srilankans want to have this sort of training every year and even invited Indian gymnasts to Srilanka. National gymnast AB Likitha and MA Sachitha who represented University of Mysore gymnast team last year also assisted in the training.
Nimanta Perera, Coordinator of Sri Lanka team, said, “We had come for coaching camp and competition. Our gymnasts both boys and girls learnt a lot during four day training. For the first time our gymnasts came across Beam Bar. Though we have facility in Srilanka, it is not available in all the places. These kind of program will help to develop the skills of our boys and girls. Hence keeping this in mind we have planned to visit once in a year”. The team is trained by Ruvan.
P Krishnaiah, director (Incharge), Department of Physical Education, UOM said, “It is not only good platform for sports but also enables to build good relation between the countries. It was nice to see family members of participants both from India and Srilanka interacting with each other.”
