Kevin Vallathesar, a cross country champion in his age category in France is one of the three overseas based dual citizenship holders competing at the Junior National Athletics Championship starting at the Sugathdasa Stadium on Friday.
At least three overseas based Sri Lankans holding dual citizenship will feature at the Junior National Athletics Championships conducted by the Athletics Association of Sri Lanka, commencing at the Sugathadasa Stadium on Friday.
Pole vaulter Mudith Jayasekara from Australia and Tamil speaking Vallathesar brothers from France are the overseas based athletes hoping to excel at the Junior National Championships as the championship provides a platform for them to earn credentials to represent Sri Lanka at upcoming Junior International events.
Jayasekara from Australia has been under AASL radar for some time now and he was expected to reach Colombo yesterday to compete in the four-day event which will be a selection ground for three international events.
The AASL has declared the Junior Nationals as a selection meet for the upcoming Junior Asian Championships, IAAF World Junior Championships and the Youth Olympics trials.
Vallathesar brothers, Remy and Kevin who are based in France are specialised in long distance running. A spokesperson for the two runners who are already in Sri Lanka said that the duo have reached the top level in their respective age categories in France and are eager to compete in Sri Lanka.
She said that they have been in contact with the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka and Prema Pinnawala, the secretary of the AASL and have got to know about the local meet from them.
While Kevin, the elder of the two will compete in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres, Remy will vie for honours in the 1,500 metres.
The AASL said that over 3400 have applied to compete in the meet.
The AASL is targeting to send a contingent of over 20 athletes for the Junior Asian Championship based on the performances of the four day meet. Athletes have to reach qualifying standards to be eligible to compete at the IAAF event.
