SLA president confident of winning 4 or 5 medals

Sri Lanka Athletic (SLA) president Major General Palitha Fernando believes that Sri Lanka has the ability to win four or five medals at the 24th Asian Senior Athletics Championship 2023.

This tournament conducted by Asian Athletic Association (AAA) is scheduled to be held from July 12-16 at Suphachalashi National Stadium, Pattaya, Thailand.

SLA selected 13 athletes (five men and eight women) for this tournament which is subject to Sports Minister’s approval.

“It is difficult to say the exact number of medals that Sri Lanka athletes will win in this year’s tournament. Japan, India, China and Qatar are ahead of us. However, according to the performance of our athletes, there is a possibility of winning four or five medals,” the SLA told ‘Daily Mirror’ yesterday.

Commonwealth Games medallist Yupun Abeykoon will not participate in this year’s Asian Championship on the advice of his personal coach and management while women’s 3,000m steeplechase international medallist Nilani Rathnayaka will not be available due to a suspension.

In the last 2019 Asian Athletic Championship in Qatar, Sri Lanka could win only two bronze medals.

In the history of the Asian Championship, Sri Lanka has won 58 medals comprising 19 gold, 18 silver and 21 bronze.

The Sri Lanka athletic team sent for approval is as follows:

Men: Aruna Dharshana (400m and 4x400m Mixed), Rajitha Rajakaruna (400m 4x400m mixed relay), Kalinga Kumarage (4x400m Mixed), Pabasara Niku (4x400m mixed relay), Lakshan Kodikara (4x400m mixed relay)

Women: Nadeesha Ramanayake (400m, 4x400m Mixed), Tharushi Karunarathna (800m, 4x400m mixed relay), Harshani Fernando (4x400m mixed relay), Lakshika Mendis (400m, 4x400m Mixed), Gayanthika Abeyrathna (800m, 1500m), Sarangi de Silva (Long Jump), Randi Cooray (Triple Jump), Dilhani Lekamge (Javelin Throw)

Officials :- Jagath Gnanasiri (Manager), W.G.M Thushara (Coach), Asanka Rajakaruna (Coach), Muditha Liyanapathirana (Lady Chaperon)