TEQ SRI LANKA

TEQ Sri Lanka’s President Mr. Gamini Jayasinghe will be the Chef de Mission for Sri Lankan Contingent for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games which is rescheduled to be held from July 23 – August 8, 2021.

According to the latest media release on June 9, 2021 by the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, four athletes are already on board in Team Sri Lanka. Six more athletes will be qualified or invited - most probably from Aquatics, Athletics, Wrestling, Wrestling, Archery, and Judo. Now, Jayasinghe is appointed as Chef-de-mission to lead the Team Sri Lanka which includes athletes and team officials.

TEQ Sri Lanka is very much delighted to hear that our President leads Team Sri Lanka. Because Summer Olympic Games is once in a four-year rare opportunity. While all media are widely speaking about the Olympic Games, Jayasinghe’s leadership is counted as a very proud moment by TEQ Sri Lanka and our Teq community. We profoundly congratulate him!

Chef-de-mission Jayasinghe is a very well-experienced sport administrator in Sri Lanka who has been serving as a treasurer of the NOC Sri Lanka for more than a decade. In sport, Jayasinghe has held various positions in different sport associations - treasurer of Handball Federation of Sri Lanka; General-Secretary of Sri Lanka Hockey Federation; Vice-President of Government Services Hockey Association; Chairman of Hockey Prison Sports Club; Development and Coaching Committee member of the Asian Hockey Federation; and now the President of Teqball Federation of Sri Lanka.

As an athlete, Jayasinghe was selected for the Sri Lanka Hockey Team on several occasions and toured India, Pakistan, and Singapore; represented and captained the Prisons Department Hockey Team from 1980 - 1985 and represented the State Services Hockey Association from 1980 - 1989; also captained the State Services Hockey Association team in 1986 which emerged joint champions in Matale. Further, Jayasinghe is an International Hockey Umpire and had officiated in the Asia Cup held in Hong Kong in 1997, national championships, and international tournament overseas as well; officiated as a technical officer in the Asian Games in 2010 and 2014 in China and South Korea, respectively.

Jayasinghe represented the Summer Olympic Games London - 2010 as the NOC Sri Lanka’s delegate; as Chef-de-mission for South Asian Games in 2010 and Deputy Chef-de-mission for South Asian Games in 2019; Chairman Technical Committee of the 1^st South Asian Beach Games in Hambantota in 2011.

Interviewing the GoodSport of the NOC Sri Lanka about the Games during this pandemic, Chef-de-mission Jayasinghe said in the latest press release by the NOC Sri Lanka, “unlike other Games the Covid-19 challenge has put an added responsibility upon the Lankan contingent. However, Japan being one of the most technologically and medically advanced countries and most of its day-to-day life is going on unabated we can take some courage from the situation. As for the athletes who are competing at the Games this will be a beacon of hope. I reckon with the situation at hand our Lankans should perform to their true potential.”

TEQ Sri Lanka wishes him and Team Sri Lanka all the very best!

TEQ Sri Lanka launched their official website at its fifth Executive Committee Meeting for the year 2021 which was held virtually on June 5.

The official website under the address of www.teball.lk was developed by our strategic partner -IDM Nations Campus under the guidance of our Honorary President Dr. V. Janagan. Since Teqball is a very new sport not only to Sri Lanka but also to the globe, an introduction is on the top under the title of ‘What’s Teq.’ In addition to that, About Us, Executive Committee and Messages of Hon. President, President and Project Manager, Reports, AGM Minutes and Constitution are available in a very transparent way.

TEQ Sri Lanka proudly calls all teqball-related personnel as ‘Teq Lankans’ including teqers/players/athletes, officials such as referees and coaches and admin officials. Under the name of Teq Lankans on the main menu, you may see our Sri Lankan players who have already registered on our International Federation’s platform – FITEQ as pro players, and referees and coaches, who have already passed the FITEQ’s online Level-C examinations, with their FITEQ ID. Moreover, TEQ Sri Lanka is involved in many Corporate Social Responsibility activities as well, therefore, those highlights are available under CSR on the menu. Photos and videos in Gallery and all types of news under the Feed are also chronologically available.

Our primary stockholders are Teq Clubs, therefore, all the clubs can be found by district and each club is hyperlinked to their respective social media accounts so that it is easy to contact any of the clubs by anyone from Sri Lanka. Apart from them, our umbrella organisations such as FITEQ.org, FITEQ Education and teqball.com are linked so that it shall enable the locals to easily connect the international bodies.

While Mr. Matthew Curtain, Sport Director of the FITEQ congratulated TEQ Sri Lanka on the launch of the new website, the Continental Development Manager for Asia and Oceania Ms. Lilla Horvath praised that “this website is one of the best I have seen so far.”

Speaking to the audience at the launch of the website Dr. Janagan said, “Most of the sport federations in Sri Lanka have informative websites, but we have developed an interactive website so that any of the clubs can easily access the features on our website especially the menus on the website are very interactive to anyone. The basic look of the website is like Facebook and we have included sharing options as well to share the news on Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter or LinkedIn. We are planning to develop a point system also to encourage the clubs and to promote Teqball in Sri Lanka – that shall be added soon on the same website.” He further mentioned that this is a better website compared to many other sport federations in Sri Lanka.

President Mr. Gamini Jayasinghe said, “I have been part of many national sport federations and noticed their websites. I am very glad to say that our one will be an example to many other national federations. Most of the federations in Sri Lanka does not have information about their players and clubs. But, we placed all transparently which is unique.”

“I am very much grateful to our Strategic Partner for their commitment to making this website with a good outlook within a short period. My heartiest thanks go to the developers, Thinesh and Vinoth for their smart work. We plan to add more features such as competitions or events, point schemes, etc.,” Project Manager Gobinath said.

Dr. Vinayagamoorthy Janagan appointed as the first Honorary President for TEQ Sri Lanka by Fédération Internationale de Teqball (FITEQ) upon TEQ Sri Lanka’s recommendation.

Having an Honorary President is common practice in the business, education, and sporting world. Therefore, FITEQ requested us to seek an honorary president for TEQ Sri Lanka in March 2021 who would typically be an individual whose achievements in the public or private sector represents FITEQ’s aspirations and having unquestionable integrity, reputation and s/he should be widely known and respected in the community and country, as well as potentially on an international level. Also, the person who can contribute significantly to the development of the National Federation and having affiliation or relationship with sports authorities, governing bodies, or key sports organisations on a national and international level.

Based on the above criteria set by the FITEQ, TEQ Sri Lanka recommended having Janagan as the suitable person to hold the position of Honorary President to our federation at its Executive Committee Meeting in April 2021.

Janagan is a Management Graduate from the University of Colombo at the outset, a Management Consultant, a Professional Accountant, an Entrepreneur and also an IT Trainer, who has a wealthy summary of proven track records for a successful career and business. With a required set of career success skills and an ambitious go-getter with a vision to become a leading Training Solutions Provider in the South Asian and South-East Asian Region, he is currently the Managing Director and CEO of the IDM Nations Campus and has been at the Campus from his formative years as a lecturer.

Moreover, Dr. Janagan is now one of the leading Educationalists in Sri Lanka and the Founder of Jananam Foundation. Further, he is a prominent sportsman and sport administrator for more than a decade gained experience in sport administration at the International level.

Speaking to the audience during his appointment, Janagan said “I am proud to have become Teq Sri Lanka’s first honorary president and I wish to extend my gratitude towards the Fédération Internationale de Teqball and TEQ Sri Lanka. I thank all Teqlankans who are set to make 2021 another record-breaking year and continue to introduce our sport to the people around the country. As honorary president, I will ensure that my leadership, technology and sports skills will be used for the development and as a driving force of our growth. Also, I hope that the innovative approach taken by Teq Sri Lanka together with FITEQ and its widespread international recognition will continue to chase the dream of taking Teqball to every country in the world and to every corner of Sri Lanka. I would like to see Teq Sri Lanka stand at the centre and be the driver of dynamic change in the world of sports.”

On his appointment, the FITEQ said “It is with great pleasure that we nominate Dr. Vinayagamoorthy Janagan for consideration for the Honorary President with the approval of the Executive Committee of TEQ Sri Lanka. In addition to performing his profession at an exemplary level Dr. Janagan demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to his business and university communities as well as general public and also sport administration of the country. We are very pleased at the opportunity to work in close partnership with your new Honorary President, who will play a key role in the continued rise of our sport. Honorary President Dr. Janagan’s experience and expertise will be integral to building awareness of, and encouraging participation in, teqball in your country.”

“Sport enthusiast Dr. Janagan’s appointment gives us an extra boost to run our federation as we all dream. His invaluable experience in sport and administration is much needed for us as we are the newest national sport federation in Sri Lanka. Actually, his skills, knowledge, willingness to help others and dedication to the nation make him our Honorary President nominee,” wished President Gamini Jayasinghe.

TEQ Sri Lanka believes that the appointment of Hon. President shall be a proven way of increasing the power, recognition, and credibility of organisations. He in general is not involved in the operational, everyday work, but rather represents an organisation at formal events.

We wish him all the very best and let’s play Teqball together!

Author: Gobinath Sivarajah

“May-Mannar” TEQ Tree Planting Project started on May 6, 2021 [Thursday] in Mannar district ground to create a greeny environment for the teqlankans and other players.

Mannar district teqlankans including players, coaches and referees showed their enthusiasm in planting trees in their district in various places in May. Therefore, the ‘May-Mannar’ tree planting project is organised by the Teq Mannar and Teq Manthai West clubs under the auspices of TEQ Sri Lanka.

Mannar is one of the tropical places in Sri Lanka and its average temperate for any month is not less than 28 degrees Celsius. Also, tropical thorn forests can be seen in Manthai West where one of our teqball clubs is running. Therefore, TEQ Sri Lanka encouraged the teqlankans to launch this project to provide a greeny environment to our teqlankans as well as to other sports players.

As an initiative of the ‘May-Mannar’ project, the TEQ coordinator for Mannar district - T. Sivananthan, President of TEQ Mannar Association - S. Rex Arulnesan, District Sports Officer and TEQ Mannar Association Secretary - M.J.S. Princely Lambert, Sports Officer and TEQ Coach and Referee - J. Jeramy, Vice President of TEQ Mannar Association - P. Nilalan, and on behalf of school coaches and Referees E. Jebakara and A. Norris Angelo planted many Pongame Oil Trees (புங்கை) around the Mannar district playground.

Pongame Oil Trees are native to tropical Asia. However, it is found not only in India but also in China, Japan, Malaysia, Australia and the Pacific Islands. It grows to about 15–25 m in height with a large canopy that spreads equally wide. Moreover, the tree is well suited to intense heat and sunlight, and its dense network of lateral roots and its thick, long taproot makes it drought tolerant. Interestingly, the oil of the tree can be used for many traditional usages. Also, the flowers are used by gardeners as compost for plants requiring rich nutrients. Therefore, this type of tree was chosen by the organisers considering multiple benefits of the tree.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, TEQ Sri Lanka could not bring our athletes in one place and we had to make it happened with a minimum number of participants, however, this project shall run until the end of the month in Mannar.

“As a coordinator of TEQ Mannar, I have successfully initiated this remarkable project during this hard time in a safe environment. Actually, the reason I was motivated to do this through sports associations was to create a greeny environment for our players. Today, I have initiated it with great pleasure. I believe that all sports actors shall make the sport environment more valuable”, Mannar coordinator Sivananthan said.

District Sports Officer and Secretary of TEQ Mannar Association - M.J.S. Princely Lambert said, “Teqball is a great example today to other sports through this social responsibility activity. I am sure the near future generation shall definitely get benefited through our today’s great job and I am sure I shall maintain it until it grows well.”

Let’s make our environment green, play TEQ with super oxygen, and proud to be Teqlankan!

Author: Gobinath Sivarajah

TEQ Sri Lanka's fourth Executive Committee Meeting was held in the Olympic house in Colombo today. The International Coach came from Hungary for teqball Development in Sri Lanka - Milan Szabo also was invited to the meeting.

Since Milan returned after a very successful three-day teqball training camp held in Kilinochchi, he explained about the success of the programme and their enthusiasm in Teqball in the North.

As TEQ Sri Lanka has planned, two Teqball Development Programme under the tagline of "Empowering Sports Culture" are arranged and they are to be launched tomorrow and the next one on April 25 in Torrington Indoor Stadium, Colombo. The first five-day session is designed only for Colombo district players and officials and the second session is for out of Colombo district players and officials, therefore, it shall be a residential training camp. During the programme, TEQ Sri Lanka planned for a social responsibility activity of cleaning the walking paths in Torrington, especially around the Olympic House where more than a thousand people walk every day in the morning and evening.

Following that, a press conference will also be organised at Hemasiri Fernando Auditorium, Olympic House in Colombo on April 28. During the press conference, Hon. President shall be appointed by the TEQ Sri Lanka as well as 'Hon. President Challenger Trophy' will also be unveiled. At the same time, a new website for TEQ Sri Lanka - www.teqball.lk shall also be launched by both President and Hon. President of TEQ Sri Lanka.

Author: Gobinath Sivarajah

A three-day Teqball Training Camp organised by the TEQ Sri Lanka at Kilinochchi Indoor Stadium concluded today with great success. The training camp started the last Friday with 41 participants and today it came to the end without missing a single person until the last session. It shows their passion and enthusiasm for the new sport – Teqball in the North.

In the first session of the third day, TEQ Sri Lanka’s very first official t-shirt was unveiled by the International Teqball Coach – Milan Szabo and TEQ Sri Lanka’s Project Manager - Sivarajah Gobinath. Following this, all the participants were issued Teqlanka T-shirts. Then, teqers started the session with a warm-up led by the local coordinator L. Anurakhantan. Milan showed participants some dills to improve reflex touches and then participants also followed the same for an hour. After all practical session, an education session was set up on the “Zero-to-Hero Programme” which was undertaken by Gobinath in their local language – Tamil. And then a discussion session also was conducted to clear participants’ doubts.

Before lunch, coaches and referees registered for the examination. Altogether 30 participants showed their interest to attend coaching and/or refereeing examinations. After the lunch, more than 15 participants registered on the FITEQ and FITEQ Education platforms. Then refereeing examination and coaching examination were conducted.

Finally, the teqball training camp successfully concluded with a closing ceremony organised by the Kili Teq. On behalf of the participants, Mannar Teq Coach Jeramy delivered the vote of thanks. Milan and Gobinath were honoured for their service by the participants. Speaking to the participants, Milan said “I am really happy to represent FITEQ and train all of you here; Also, I believe that you have enjoyed a lot in the last three days and keep playing teqball and enjoy it.” “I am very happy to see your performance within this short time and I am sure you shall keep playing and teqball shall be another popular sport in North”, Gobinath said.

Since the Northern region was badly affected by the war, this programme is counted as one of the social responsibility activities by the TEQ Sri Lanka. TEQ Sri Lanka also believes that by introducing a new sport – teqball to these regional people, we can give confidence and hope for a better tomorrow.

As the next, TEQ Sri Lanka has already planned for a couple of TEQ BALL Development Programme under the slogan of “Empowering Sports Culture” shall be held in Colombo for both Colombo district and outstation teqers from April 20 until April 29, 2021. Following this, TEQ Sri Lanka plans to conduct Hon. President Challengers Trophy also in Colombo by the first week of May.

Author: Gobinath Sivarajah