ROYAL BOY FLOURISHES AS SELECTION PETS FALTER

ONE OF SRI LANKA'S BRIGHTEST PROSPECTS SHOWN THE DOOR IN YET ANOTHER OF THE COUNTRY'S NEVER-ENDING SAGA OF BANISHING THE BEST

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As Sri Lanka struggles through a disappointing Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Championship Under-17 campaign in China, questions have emerged about the selection process that omitted one of the country's most promising young talents: 16-year-old Royal College boy Azmaan Khan.

Azmaan, who was initially included in the 23-member provisional squad, was dropped from the final tour party, relegated only to standby status. What has drawn criticism from school and club circles is that no formal selection trials were held, with several parents and coaches expressing concern about the "haphazard" approach used by the selectors.

Yet, while the national team falters, Azmaan continues to flourish.