Athletics yearn for an extension to Miranda’s service  

Cuban athletics coach Luis Miranda is credited for helping a number of country’s long jumpers reach standards which were once considered beyond the reach of athletes of Sri Lankan stature. Yet just ahead of a crucial year for athletics, the top notch athletes under his charge are in the danger of losing his service as an influential segment within the coaching fraternity is forcing the Sports Ministry to backpedal on the project.

Miranda’s tenures has come under threat on a number of occasions in the past but subsequent  Sports Ministers who rightly valued his service made sure the veteran receive an extension to his service.

Many leading men’s jumpers and women’s number two are currently training under Miranda. Though they are yet to produce top international performances, statistics show that the men’s long jump has seen a dramatic improvement with the top athletes under his charge averaging closer to eight metres regularly.

Next year Sri Lanka Athletics will celebrate its centenary year. World Athletics Championships, Asian Games and the Commonwealth Games are some of the important international events that Sri Lanka will be taking part in. Termination of Miranda’s tenure at this juncture will be a severe blow to country’s athletics as the training of top athletes will be in jeopardy.

It is incumbent upon the Sports Ministry officials to act wisely to retain Miranda’s service ahead of a crucial year for track and field sports.