The 12th Defence Services Games which will see athletes from Army, Navy and Air Force compete in 39 sports will commence on October 26.
The Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs has recognised the Defence Services Games as the third-most significant sporting event of the annual sports calendar. The Defence Services Games, which have drawn particular attention among the major sports events held in Sri Lanka, will feature a large number of experienced athletes who have competed at national and international competitions as well as a significant number of novice athletes from tri forces.
The Defence Services Games will last through October of the following year, with a total of 39 sports; 36 sports disciplines under the men’s category and 32 under the women’s category and with the participation of more than 4000 men and women representing Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force.
This year’s Defence Services Games is being hosted by the Sri Lanka Air Force with unwavering support from Sri Lanka Army and Navy. The opening ceremony was attended by the incumbent President of the Defence Services Sports Board and the Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana along with Chief of Defence, General Shavendra Silva, the Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Sri Lanka Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, special invitees, senior officers, brother and sister officers and sportsmen and women.