The Sri Lankan athletics team has departed for Gumi, South Korea, to compete in the 26th Asian Athletics Championship, scheduled to take place from May 27 to 31. The team carries with it high hopes and national pride, following an impressive medal haul in the previous edition of the tournament.
At the last championship, Sri Lanka won eight medals, including three golds, showcasing the country’s growing stature in Asian athletics. This year, the team looks to build on that success despite the absence of standout performer Tharushi Karunaratne, who is not participating in this edition.
Among the top medal hopefuls are Sumedha Ranasinghe and Rumesha Tharanga, who will be competing in the men’s javelin throw. Both athletes have delivered strong performances on international stages and are expected to challenge for top honors.
Sprint star Yupun Abeykoon will return to the track, aiming to secure victory in the 100m and 200m events. He will face competition from Chamod Yodasinghe, a rising sprinter who has shown promising form. Their race in the 100m is anticipated to be one of the highlights of the competition.
In the men’s 400m, Kalinga Kumarage and Aruna Darshana will represent Sri Lanka, while Nadeesha Ramanayake will compete in the women’s 400m event. Defending champion Nadeesha Lekamge will also be in action, looking to retain her title in the women’s javelin throw.
Full Athlete Roster
Men:
- Yupun Abeykoon – 100m, 200m, 4×100m
- Chamod Yodasinghe – 100m, 4×100m
- Kalinga Kumarage – 200m, 400m, 4×400m, 4×400m Mixed
- Aruna Darshana – 400m, 4×400m, 4×400m Mixed
- Lesandu Arthavidu – High Jump
- Sumedha Ranasinghe, Rumesha Tharanga – Javelin Throw
- Meron Wijesinghe, Deneth Weeraratne, Chamod Dissanayake – 4×100m
- Sadev Rajakaruna, Kalhara Induwara, Omel Sashintha Silva – 4×400m, 4×400m Mixed
Women:
- Rasara Wijesuriya – 10,000m, 5,000m
- Nadeesha Lekamge – Javelin Throw
- Nadeesha Ramanayake, Nishendra De Silva – 400m, 4×400m, 4×400m Mixed
- Sayuri Mendis, Jayeshi Uttara, Jithma Wijetunga – 4×400m, 4×400m Mixed
As the championship kicks off, the Sri Lankan team is prepared to give its best and bring glory to the nation. With a combination of experienced campaigners and new talent, hopes are high for another successful outing on the Asian stage.
