The third edition of the Asian Para Games will be held from the 06th to 13th October 2018, in Jakarta, Indonesia, where Sri Lanka will field a team of athletes representing nine different sporting disciplines.
The Sri Lankan contingent will include Archers, track and field athletes, badminton players, visually impaired chess players, power lifters, swimmers, shooters, table tennis players and wheelchair tennis players.
Previously, the Asian Para Games were called the FESPIC games (Far East and Pacific Games) which began in 2002, where Sri Lanka bagged more than 24 medals including six gold medals in Korea. Subsequently, the games were held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2006, before rebranding as the 1st Asian Para Games, that was held in China in the year 2010 and the second Asian Para Games that was held in South Korea four years later. Sri Lanka grabbed 22 medals at the last edition.
This year, Sri Lanka is represented by world class athletes in the likes of Paralympicmedallist Dinesh Priyantha Herath (javelin), and top rankers such as Upul Indika Chuladasa (100/200m) and Sampath Hettiarachchi (javelin). And many more medal winners at the Asian Level with potentials from archery (Sampath Bandara), table tennis (Dinesh Desapriya) and Gamini Dissanayake of wheelchair tennis.
“It is noteworthy to mention the support and assistance we have received from the Ministry of Sports and the principal sponsor of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC) Dialog Axiata PLC, for their continuous support towards empowering the athletes for the Asian Para Games this year,” said Major General, Rajitha Ampemohotte, President, National Paralympic Committee.
“Dialog is pleased to have partnered with the NPC since 2002 to provide support for these athletes who will bring honour and glory to Sri Lanka,” said Harsha Samaranayake, General Manager – Brand and Media, Dialog Axiata PLC. He added, “Sri Lankan para athletes have performed well in the last few international meets, and Dialog will continue the support as a strong proponent of powering para athletes, parallel to our philosophy of empowering all segments of society to excel on a national and international stage”.
Sri Lanka sent the largest contingent in the Island’s history to the Asian Games this year only to return empty handed, as none of the participants failed to clinch a medal. However out of the 30 Para athletes Sri Lanka possess a number of world class athletes in the likes of Paralympic and World Para Games medallist Dinesh Priyantha who are set to bring glory to the country.
Sri Lanka’s #1 sports hub ThePapare.com is dedicated to bringing you updates from the regional competition where the Sri Lankan athletes will be determined to bring glory to the motherland. Visit wwwThePapare.com/athletics to be updated on the Sri Lankan contingent at the Asian Para Games 2018.
