Sri Lankan Athletics team departs for South Korea to compete in Asian victory bid

The Sri Lankan athletics team departed for South Korea yesterday (25) to participate in the 26th Asian Athletics Championship, which is scheduled to take place in Gumi, South Korea. With the recent competitions that have been taking place, our athletes have been performing well on an international stage, and are set to do so this time round too.

The competition is set to begin tomorrow (27) and will continue up until the 31st.

At the previous edition of the Asian Athletics Championship, Sri Lankan athletes showcased remarkable talent, securing a total of 8 medals, including 3 golds. They aim to expand this tally in this competition.

However, star athlete Tharushi Karunaratne, who delivered an outstanding performance for Sri Lanka in the previous tournament, will not be participating this time.

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Nevertheless, high hopes rest on Sumedha Ranasinghe and Rumesha Tharanga, who will be representing Sri Lanka in the men’s javelin throw event. Both have demonstrated impressive international-level skills and are expected to contend for medals.

Competing on the track for this competition will be world-renowned sprinter Yupun Abeykoon, alongside Chamod Yodasinghe, who has recently risen as a challenger to Yupun. Both aim to become the fastest man in Asia, and this race will definitely be one to watch out for in the coming days.

Aruna Darshana and Kalinga Kumarage are also medal hopefuls in the men’s 400m event, while Nadeesha Ramanayake will represent the women’s 400m.

Additionally, Nadeesha Lekamge, who won gold in the women’s javelin throw at the previous championship, is expected to defend her title this year.

Sri Lankan Team Line-up

Male Athletes and Events:

• 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– Javelin Throw
• Rumesha Tharanga– Javelin Throw
• Meron Wijesinghe– 4×100m
• Deneth Weeraratne– 4×100m
• Chamod Dissanayake– 4×100m
• Sadev Rajakaruna– 4×400m, 4×400m Mixed
• Kalhara Induwara– 4×400m, 4×400m Mixed
• Omel Sashintha Silva– 4×400m, 4×400m Mixed

Female Athletes and Events:

• Rasara Wijesuriya– 10,000m, 5,000m
• Nadeesha Lekamge– Javelin Throw
• Nishendra De Silva– 400m, 4×400m, 4×400m Mixed
• Nadeesha Ramanayake– 400m, 4×400m, 4×400m Mixed
• Sayuri Mendis– 4×400m, 4×400m Mixed
• Jayeshi Uttara– 4×400m, 4×400m Mixed
• Jithma Wijetunga– 4×400m, 4×400m Mixed

We wish all these athletes good luck, as they all have the potential to make our country proud with their incredible abilities. Stay tuned with ThePapare, Sri Lanka’s number one sports channel, for all the live updates and exciting moments from the event in these coming days.