News

Oldest Sports in the World

Published

4 years ago

May 11, 2021

Editor

Ever wondered which sport is the oldest in whole human history ? We dig deep and managed to the top 10 sports which are officially the oldest sports in the world.

#1. Wrestling

Just like prostitution is the oldest profession, Wrestling is widely considered the oldest sport in the world. Wrestling infects is the documented evidence unlike some of the other oldest sports listed on this page. Here are some details about the history of Wrestling.

A “fragment of papyrus” which reportedly dates back between 100 and 200 A.D has the instructions about how to wrestle. The text is in the greek language and the word “pleckson” is used several times which is translated to “fight it out” in English. The document was discovered back in the 1800s in Egypt.
That is not the only document evidence, there have been many dates back to different times but the one mentioned above is certainly the oldest ever found. So there is little doubt that Wresting is certainly the oldest sport known to man.
It has evolved over the centuries of course and it was part of the Olympics as the first set of sports in the era between 800 to 1200 BC. P
While Professional wrestling circuits were first introduced in Paris, France in the 1830s.
Today Wrestling is not only an Olympic sport but a full-fledged professional career and widely regarded as one of the most popular and top sports in the world.

#2. Running & Long Jump

Running is the World’s most accessible sport and it always has been even now. Running universal human physical expression and it should not come as surprise that along with wrestling Running is the oldest sport. Here are some points about running as a sport.

Running was the only sport in the first-ever recorded Olympics held in Athens back in 776 BCE.
While competitive running was in modern times is recorded back to 1829 BCE.
Running as a sport as many disciplines in the Olympics, with slightly different requirements such as marathon, sprint, long jumping and hurdling, etc

#3. Javelin & Discuss Throw

A very interesting sport that is still very popular in the modern Olympics, Javelin Throwing is a track and field sport and it dates back to the ancient Olympics in 708 bc. Here are details about the historic transition of the sport to modern Javelin throwing.

A couple of disciplines likes distance and target throw were part of the sport in the artifacts found which dates back to ancient Olympics in the era of 708s.
In the 1870s Poles used as Javelin now were introduced in Germany and Sweden and by the next decade, it became a yearly national event in Sweden and Finland. no wonder 50% of the medals awarded in modern Olympics to date went to athletes from Scandinavian countries like Denmark, Sweden, Finland, and Norway.
In the 1890s some rule changes were introduced like limited run-ups before throwing instead of standing throws.
It was introduced in the modern Olympics in 1906 while for women it was introduced in the 1932 Olympics.

#4. Polo

Polo is a team game which is played on horses. It’s a bit like Hockey the difference of course being played on horses back where both teams try to outscore each other by putting “small wooden ball” in the goal.

Polo origins date back to the peak of the Persian empire in central Asia it is believed that Persian emperors used to learn horse riding at a very early age and used to play a sport that would later go on to be known as Polo.

316 AD is the documented evidence about sport like Polo in the Persian empire. While the modern game with rules and regulations was developed in India during the time of the British empire and the first Polo club dates back to 1833 in India.

#5. Boxing

Boxing is a combat sport and one of the most popular combat sport in the world. It has a long and illustrious history in modern times. While historically speaking “fist fightïng” as a sport has evidence from 2nd and 3rd Millenium BC but the fist fighting with hand protection is believed to be in existence from 900 bc to 1500 bc. Romans also had Boxing sport with leather thong wrapped around the hands but in Roman-era boxing was more of a fight till death so strange to call it a sport.

While fist fighting as a sport with rules and regulations can be found in England with “bare-knuckle fighting” in 1681. Boxing’s first rules dates back to 1743 with introduction of 30 second count, no hitting while opponent is down etc.

But from 17th to 18th century fist fighting or boxing sort sport were widely considered illegitimate and there werent many rulings. Amature boxing was introduce in Olympics in 1908, that kind gave new life to boxing with weigh-division rules coming into play at the same time.

So with young boxers fighting in amateur events and Olympics, they would go down to become professional fighters later in their careers ultimately developing better skills of boxing helping to improve the standard. Now boxing is one of the most popular sports in the world.

#6. Gymnastic

Gymnastic is originated from ancient greek and at the beginning, it was a set of training methods deployed for military training but as a sport, its history is not much known from ancient times.

As far as modern Gymnastics is concerned it dates back to the late 18th century when two physical educators from Germany developed and exercise from boys using “apparatus” it would later go on to become a sporting event quickly spread across Europe and then the world.

The international federation for Gymnastic was established in 1891 while it was introduced as a sport with several events for both men and women in 1896.

#7. Football/Soccer

Football sort sports have been played since early centuries from 200 to 300 bc according to FIFA FIFA (The world governing body of football). In medieval times loads of games involving “Ball” were played around Europe and some of them were pretty much like football. A game called “mob football” was played in England in the 10th century but the number of players included was unlimited. Football sort sport was continued to be played around Europe and especially in England and that is where the modern rules/codes were formed when football was played in the schools in England.

The Sheffield FC is the oldest professional football club which was formed in 1857 and soon after that football modern rules were introduced and the first professional cup competition now known as FA Cup started.

#9. Hurling

Hurling has been played in Ireland for over 3000 years making it one of the oldest sport in the world. It is a team game which is played with a stick called “Hurley” and the ball “sliotar”. The objective is to score goals into the opposing goalposts with the use of the stick. Unlike some of the other sport listed here, Hurling has a documented history and it is very popular in Ireland.

#10. Field Hockey

A game pretty similar to field hockey can be traced back to ancient greek were some of the graphics discovered show paintings of people playing some sport with a curved stick/Horne and ball. The modern hockey rules were invented in England by the Middlesex cricket club in the last 19th century and it spread to British colonies In Australia, Africa, and the sub-continent. International hockey federations were established and hockey was included in the Olympics in 1908.

Football

Part 2: FIFA Funds Squandered – Inside the Financial Collapse of Sri Lanka Football

Published

1 week ago

July 25, 2025

Editor

In continuation of Sri Lankan Sports TV’s exclusive coverage of the Kusala Sarojini Inquiry Report, this feature focuses on the financial irregularities uncovered within the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL)—which played a central role in the nation’s football crisis.

The Special Inquiry Committee, chaired by Retired High Court Judge Mrs. Kusala Sarojini Weerawardena, exposes how over a decade of misusing FIFA and AFC development funds directly contributed to the collapse of Sri Lankan football.

“It could be observed that financial procedure which follows proper methodology has not been maintained in the Football Federation of Sri Lanka since before 2014.”
— FIFA Sri Lanka Inquiry Report (2023)

Millions in Global Funding – Little to Show on the Pitch

Between 2018 and 2022, the FFSL received consistent international grants, including:

USD 500,000 annually from FIFA
USD 500,000 annually from the AFC
USD 100,000 annually for equipment purchases
USD 200,000 for air tickets for international competitions
COVID emergency funding during 2021 and 2022

However, the report confirms that most of these funds were misused or misappropriated, with little to no investment in grassroots development or player welfare.

“Although FFSL had a Chartered Accountant, the financial powers were concentrated among elected officials, and payments were made without transparency, contrary to proper accounting practices.”
— Sri Lanka Inquiry Report, p. 10

Highlights of Financial Mismanagement

Ticket Scandals & Undocumented Spending

Rs. 16 million was spent on 230 Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 tickets, but:
- No records of buyers
- No receipts
- No profits to FFSL
Rs. 12 million paid for footballs that were never delivered; transaction done via WhatsApp—no contract or supplier identified

“Not only were proper procurement methods not followed, in many cases there was no documentation at all.”
— Inquiry Committee

Reckless Dollar Transfers Amid National Crisis

During Sri Lanka’s 2022 dollar shortage, FFSL moved USD 500,000 to a rupee account without Executive Committee approval, causing an estimated loss of Rs. 75 million.

“Transfer of dollars without a justifiable need during a high exchange rate period inflicted a significant financial loss on the Federation.”
— Report Section: Financial Control

Crony Contracts & Fake Tenders

Catering contracts were awarded to individuals connected to former FFSL executives without calling quotations.
In most instances, approvals were made based on verbal instructions or internal memos, bypassing required board procedures.

Ghost Coaches, Unused Staff

A coach hired for the U-23 national team was paid Rs. 200,000/month, even though no team was ever formed.

“Coordination officers” across Sri Lanka were paid monthly with no service rendered.
PAYE taxes were paid (Rs. 3.3 million) for foreign coaches with no clear deliverables.

“Despite making these payments, youth development remained stagnant and the national teams were not properly formed or trained.”
— Committee Observation

Rs. 100 Million Used as Election Bribe?

A Rs. 100 million fixed deposit—intended as a financial reserve—was used to send 73 league officials to Malaysia, allegedly in exchange for future votes.

“This action was considered as a bribe given to them with the purpose of getting votes in the future.”
— Page 11, Report

A System Without Checks

The Committee notes that former FFSL President Mr. Jaswar Umaru Lebbe held dual powers as President and Chairman of the Finance Committee, enabling unchecked control over finances.

“This situation was extremely inappropriate and harmful.”
— Inquiry Report, p. 16

Payments were routinely authorized by Mr. Jaswar and a few close allies, without proper board oversight or documentation.

The Fallout – A Sport in Decline

As a result of this mismanagement:

Sri Lanka’s men’s team plummeted to 207th in FIFA rankings by 2022
FFSL was suspended by FIFA in January 2023
National youth programs, women’s football, futsal, and coaching development were completely inactive

A Glimmer of Recovery – Ranking Now 196th

Since early 2023, now, Sri Lanka’s FIFA ranking has climbed to 196th—a 10-place improvement. However, the report warns that structural reform is essential to ensure this progress is not lost.

“Financial control and administration must be independent, transparent, and free from political interference.”
— Official Recommendation by Kusala Sarojini-led Committee

What Must Happen Now?

The committee strongly recommends:

Forensic audit of FFSL finances since 2012
Criminal complaints under Sections 386, 389, and 403 of the Penal Code
Legal reform to prevent future abuse:
- Term limits for officials
- Ban on combining finance and executive powers
- Mandatory procurement audits
Quarterly public financial disclosures

“A system must be developed to prevent elected officials from having unilateral control over funds.”
— Report, p. 17

The Final Word

The Inquiry, led by Justice Kusala Sarojini, leaves no doubt:
Sri Lanka’s football didn’t fail from a lack of funds—it failed because those funds were looted by those entrusted to protect the game.

“If transparency, legal action, and governance reform are not implemented, this country’s football will have no future.”
— Inquiry Report, Final Section

Coming Up in Part 3:
How fake leagues, ghost clubs, and vote-buying tactics poisoned the electoral system of Sri Lankan football.

Football

Kusala Sarojini report exposses Massive Mismanagement Uncovered in Sri Lanka Football Federation

Published

2 weeks ago

July 20, 2025

Editor

A Special Inquiry Committee appointed by the Ministry of Sports has uncovered widespread financial mismanagement, administrative irregularities, and systemic corruption within the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL), leading to the country’s lowest-ever FIFA ranking

In response to years of growing concerns over the decline of football in Sri Lanka, the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs appointed a Special Inquiry Committee in February 2023 to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the activities of the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL).

This move followed Sri Lanka’s suspension by FIFA in January 2023 and decades of complaints from players, clubs, and stakeholders regarding alleged corruption, mismanagement, and irregular financial practices within the FFSL.

Who Conducted the Report?

The five-member Special Inquiry Committee was appointed by the then Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs, Hon. Roshan Ranasinghe, under powers granted by the Sports Act No. 25 of 1973. The panel was tasked with submitting a report within two months on key areas, including:

The delay in adopting a new constitution (requested by FIFA and AFC since 2014),
Misuse of funds and financial malpractice from 2018 onwards,
The proliferation of fake leagues for vote manipulation,
Irregularities in staff recruitment, administration, and tournament operations,
Recommendations for the reform and development of football in Sri Lanka.

Members of the Inquiry Committee:

Mrs. Sarojini Kusala Weerawardena – Retired High Court Judge (Chairperson)
Mr. Kingsley Fernando – Former Ministry Secretary
Mr. Sudath Nagahamulla – Retired DIG of Police
Mr. Ananda Peiris – Retired Rear Admiral
Mr. Susil Rohan Ramanayake – Independent member

Secretary to the Committee: Miss Shalini Roshana Fernando (Attorney-at-Law)

The Committee reviewed financial records, procurement practices, testimonies from over 20 witnesses including former FFSL presidents, accountants, players, and ministry officials, and scrutinized evidence from internal audits and third-party reports.

Ignored Reforms and Illegal Governance

FIFA and AFC requested constitutional reforms in 2014, but FFSL officials deliberately delayed it for nearly a decade.
The constitution was only passed on 22 September 2022, by an executive committee whose term had already expired.
A Special General Meeting was conducted without legal authority, making the constitution null under Sri Lankan law.
The 2021 FFSL elections were held without proper procedures, violating both local and FIFA rules.
The Committee noted that officials used COVID-19 as a cover, despite holding Zoom meetings and going on foreign trips.

💸 Financial Misuse on a Shocking Scale

The Committee uncovered extensive financial misconduct by successive FFSL administrations:

📉 International Grants Misused

FFSL annually received:
- USD 500,000 from FIFA
- USD 500,000 from AFC
- USD 100,000 for equipment
- USD 200,000 for air travel
Despite these funds, there was no youth football development or improvement in player welfare.

Key Financial Irregularities

Rs. 3,500 per cake was spent in 2014 during meetings.
Rs. 100 million paid to LSR Company, linked to a politician, without tender for the 2021 Four Nations Tournament.
USD 500,000 transferred during Sri Lanka’s dollar crisis in 2022, leading to an estimated Rs. 75 million loss.
230 World Cup 2022 tickets bought (Rs. 16 million), but no records on how or to whom they were sold.
48 million rupees fraud by a former FFSL officer (2013–2017) is still under-investigated.
Salaries paid to inactive coaches and ghost staff, including a coach for the under-23 team, which was never formed.
Payments to family-linked companies, friends, and political allies for catering, security, and equipment—with no procurement process.

Fake Leagues and Electoral Fraud

FFSL created and sustained “nominal leagues” — inactive football clubs and leagues used only to secure votes during elections.
Over 80% of registered leagues were inactive, yet received funding and voting rights.
Fake leagues were used to rig elections in favour of certain office-bearers.
Active leagues were ignored, with limited support for player development.

National Team and Player Development in Ruins

Sri Lanka ranks 206th out of 211 globally and last in Asia (45th).
No structured inter-school tournaments or training systems exist.
Only two local tournaments were held from 2017 to 2022.
No youth football activity (U12, U14) was recorded in 2021.
10 out of 27 national players have no full-time employment.
Coaches from abroad were hired without evaluation or contracts, with USD 6,000 monthly salaries.
The women’s national team ranks 155th out of 156 globally.

Committee Recommendations

The committee, chaired by retired High Court Judge Sarojini Kusala Weerawardena, made urgent recommendations:

Legal & Governance

Immediate forensic audit of FFSL finances.
Submit findings to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Fraud Investigation Division.
Amend the FFSL constitution to:
- Limit office terms to 4 years max
- Ban the President or Secretary from heading the Finance Committee
- Introduce strong anti-fraud measures

Football Development

Establish youth training centers in all districts.
Make it mandatory for every league to support women’s football.
Create performance-based funding for leagues and clubs.
Collaborate with the Schools Football Association for age-level competitions (U12 to U20).
Launch at least 4 international tournaments per year for both men’s and women’s teams.

Transparency and Structure

Require regular audits, quarterly reporting, and transparent procurement processes.
Publish financial statements to all leagues every 3 months.
Ban fake leagues; allow only clubs that meet minimum standards to vote or receive funds.

Final Thought

The FIFA Inquiry Report is a damning reflection of how greed, corruption, and negligence ruined Sri Lanka’s football potential. The sport, once considered third most popular in the country, now languishes without direction. The way forward demands courageous reforms, fresh leadership, and strict accountability.

Football

Sri Lanka U20 Women’s Football Hits Rock Bottom at SAFF Championship Amid Continued National-Level Crisis

Published

3 weeks ago

July 13, 2025

Editor

The Sri Lanka U20 Women’s Team endured a disappointing campaign at the SAFF U20 Women’s Championship 2025, suffering two heavy defeats with one group match left to play. In their opening encounter, Sri Lanka was thrashed 9 -1 by Bangladesh, followed by a 5-0 loss against Bhutan, indicating a deeper crisis in the country’s women’s football structure.

These back-to-back losses highlight the grim state of the women’s football program, especially when placed alongside the senior team’s exit from the AFC Women’s Asian Cup qualifiers earlier this year without a single win. This trend reflects not just a lack of preparation, but an institutional failure to establish a developmental pipeline or strategic plan.

What’s even more concerning is the absence of visible recovery mechanisms from the Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL). Instead of addressing systemic issues—such as lack of coaching standards, insufficient grassroots investment, and poor player welfare—key decision-makers appear more focused on the upcoming FFSL elections. Behind-the-scenes politics continue to stall any meaningful progress in women’s football development.

Despite the promising young talent in Sri Lanka, the gap in fitness, tactical training, and match readiness compared to regional rivals is growing wider. Without immediate technical reforms and leadership that prioritizes performance over politics, the future of women’s football in the country remains uncertain.

With one more match against a strong Nepal side, the prospects of a comeback look bleak, unless there is a radical shift in how the game is managed from the ground up.