Pakistan extends the arm of courtesy to prop SLR

by a Special Sports Correspondent

Pakistan extended a hand of courtesy to prop rugby in Sri Lanka when its High Commission in the island came forward to sponsor the planned Provincial Development Rugby Tournament.

The signing of documents regarding the sponsorship happened at Hilton Hotel in Colombo and the occasion was graced by Maj Gen. Umar Farooq Burki, the High Commissioner of Pakistan in Sri Lanka and officials of Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR).

According to SLR as many as four development tournaments will be played in selected districts featuring teams from eight provincial rugby unions. The provincial tournaments are a must for development and the rugby fraternity hails the move.

But more than anything else it’s good to know that Pakistan considers entering into a venture with Sri Lanka; the two countries having had cordial relationships and healthy diplomatic ties over the years.

Pakistan will benefit immensely from the deal because it can gain valuable experience and exposure to the game by associating with Sri Lanka. Back in the 1990s we read about how the champion Kandy Sports Club team travelled to Pakistan and won the Seventh Annual All Pakistan Rugby Tournament. The tournament was held to coincide with the 50th Independence Day celebrations of Pakistan. Kandy SC beat Lahore Rugby Football Club in the final.

Much of this information comes to us thanks to the books written by rugby historian and recorder of Sri Lanka Rugby, Neil Wijeratne. This bit of information was picked up from his book titled ‘Sevens Saga’. Wijeratne was instrumental in helping Pakistan rugby to a great extent by facilitating the meetings between Pakistan Rugby officials and Sri Lanka referees and top rugby officials.

Rugby in Pakistan, like in Sri Lanka, was introduced by expatriates stationed there for employment. As in Pakistan’s case it was the British Navy that showed them how to play with the oval-shaped ball. But after the sailors left Pakistan’s rugby started to dwindle. It could never come up as a competitive or representative sport and earn global recognition because much of the country’s attention and resources were channelled towards developing cricket.

However, thanks to the International Rugby Board’s development programmes Pakistan Rugby received a shot in the arm. Despite the country having started off in rugby back in 1925 by forming the Karachi Rugby Football Union, the rugby authorities never thought seriously about compiling a national team to contest Asian tournaments. At present Pakistan seems to have put the system in order and actively participates in IRB events and programmes that have helped produce the results.

Pakistan’s very most recent achievement is the qualifying for the 2nd Division Asian Rugby Championship which they did by beating Thailand in the decider. As Pakistan climbs the Asian rugby ladder it can draw inspiration from Sri Lanka which has moved far ahead in rugby rankings; in both sevens and 15-a-side versions of the game compared to other Asian rugby-playing nations.

Coming back to the sports deal between the two countries SLR rugby officials trust that cordial relationships between the two countries and the rugby unions will go forward largely because of the involvement of a game like rugby. The purpose of the sponsorship is to help Sri Lankan rugby clubs and their players who are struggling financially in their attempts to pursue rugby. SLR is also looking forward to an Asian Rugby Triangular which will also feature India and Pakistan in the future. For the record, this is the first time in its 148 year rugby history that Sri Lanka has entered into a sports venture with an embassy.

Like Sri Lanka Cricket has close ties with Pakistan Cricket this venture will serve well in the future for Sri Lanka Rugby to benefit from Pakistan Rugby. Pakistan must follow Sri Lanka’s rugby with interest if it is to get the best out of this deal. The venture between the Pakistan High Commission and SLR could open doors for representation teams from Pakistan to contest invitation tournaments organised and conducted by Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is a hive of rugby activity when the season is on and Pakistan is sure to look for ways of benefitting from the Sri Lankan experience because the association with other rugby playing nations is essential in meeting the growing demands of the sport and training professionals.