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by Elmo Rodrigopulle

Sport in the Asian and the Middle Eastern region is likely to be put on hold for sometime.

This is because of the uncertainty and the possibility of a US led attack on Afghanistan after the twin tower and Pentagon bombing.

Most sports in the US including the famous Ryder Cup golf tournament had to be put off with great reluctance.

New Zealand aborted its cricket tour of Pakistan. Pakistan had no alternative but to postpone the much-looked forward to South Asian Federation Games.

All countries in the SAF region were gearing up for the Games putting their sportsmen and women through their paces and it would have been galling for them to learn about the postponement.

But it cannot be helped.

Hemasiri Fernando, big boss at the National Olympic Committee was a very confident man that the Games would be held. His confidence was based on the facts supplied to him by his counterpart in Islamabad.

But circumstances beyond Islamabad's control have forced them to put off the Games which they hope to hold within the next six months.

Now comes the disturbing news from the West Indies that they will be reviewing their cricket tour of Sri Lanka which was due to begin next month also with Zimbabwe for Tests and a triangular series.

Sri Lanka will be a safe place for sport. One hopes that the West Indies and Zimbabwe will endeavour to visit and play and not let sport in this region suffer or run dry.

Authorities in Sharjah have promised that the triangular between Sri Lanka, Pakistan and Kenya will be worked off without a hitch. But with the current developments, it will not come as a surprise if this tourney too is put off.

Vijaya Malalasekera and his team in the Interim Committee will leave no stone unturned and will be at full strength endeavouring to convince the West Indies and the Zimbabweans to play here. It is hoped that all attempts by Malalasekera and Co will succeed.

Enver Marikar a friend indeed

September marked the fourth death anniversary of Mohamed Enver Marikar an illustrious journalist cum sportsman.

'Mariks' as he was fondly referred to by his close friends, was an example as a journalist, sportsman and above all a friend. Human kindness flowed from him.

Marikar was also called 'God King' and 'King of Kandy'. With the physique of body builder, Mariks stood out in any company.

'Mariks' gave sport in Kandy great recognition writing for the 'Times of Ceylon' and 'Daily Mirror' until the newspapers closed in 1984 and thereafter continued the good work for these newspapers that was given a new life by magnate Ranjit Wijewardene.

We miss you 'Mariks'. 

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