4 for Squash at Asian Games
Ayoung and determined team of 4 players- 2 Men and 2 Women- will represent Sri Lanka at Squash, at the Asian Games 2018 in Jakarta, Indonesia, this month. Sri Lanka's National champions Mehiliya Methsarani and Rivindu Laksiri will spearhead the quest for medals to keep the Lion flag high at the Games. The two will combine with Fathoum Issadeen and Shamil Wakeel, the No. 2 ranked in both Women's and Men's categories.
Defending Men's National champion Laksiri has dominated local Squash for some time. The youngster, with immense talent and potential, began his international journey in 2013, winning the the Men's Plate championship at the Asian Individual Championship in Qatar.
At the recently concluded Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, Australia, Laksiri finished 17th spot in world rankings. He won Bronze at the South Asian Games 2016 in India.
Shamil Wakeel, 19, a rising star is the defending Junior National Champion. He won the 13th place play- of f at the Asian Team Championship this year in Korea. The experience this youngster has gained in a number of finals against Laksiri, will hold Wakeel in good stead in his medals quest at the games.
The Women's Squash sensation of Sri Lanka, 5-times National champion Mihiliya Methsarani will be the best prospect for medals. Methsarani will lead the Sri Lanka squad at the Games.
Methsarani won 2 Bronze in Singles and Team events at the 2016 South Asian Games in India.
Methsarani has the highest achievement of any Sri Lankan athlete at the Commonwealth Games 2018, by finishing 17th position in the Women's Singles event.
A student of Holy Family Convent, Fathoum Issadeen had geared up for the games with her recent win over world ranked Rifath Khan of Pakistan. The 20th ranked in the world Issadeen combined with champion Methsarani to bring Sri Lanka to 7th position in Asian Squash rankings.