Sri Lanka, Oct. 14 -- Newly elected Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) President Pavithra Fernando has set his sights firmly on winning a medal at next year's Asian Games, saying that rebuilding the national Sevens programme and introducing player contracts and long-term training are his top priorities.

"In 2018 Sri Lanka finished runners-up in the Asian Rugby Sevens Series. When we started this season, we were ranked 12th, but we managed to climb back to the top four," Fernando said. "There is a lot of potential in this young squad, but we have a lot of work to do. If they are guided properly, we can definitely win a medal at the Asian Games."

Fernando said his new committee will focus on giving players stability and professionalism. "First, we pla...