Lyceum karatekas bag 27 medals in California

Ateam of 16 youngsters from Ly c e u m International Schools in Nugegoda, Wattala, Panadura and Hendala Dojo bagged 27 medals at the Nihon Karatedo Itosukai Tournament 2014 held at the Soka University in California, USA.

The tally included eleven gold, seven silver and nine bronze medals as the Sri Lankan karatekas were able to gain major honours of the competition held on September 21.

A gold medal each was won on karate on kumite by Pumudu Gamage, Milinda Bandara, Manuka Dilshan and Minthaka Gamage. Tharindu Samarakoon of Hendala Dojo competing under kata won a gold medal.

Devnaka Porage won a gold and a silver from each event while a silver each was won from both segments by Sanura Lewangama. Ishan Rahman and Dulaj Hettiarachchi claimed a bronze each in kata and a gold each in kumite.

Nithesh Fernando and R. Thanusan competed under kata were able to win a silver each. Vihanga Rodrigo and Dulaj Kaluarachchi won a bronze each and silver each from kata and kumite. Thaha Falaldeen and Thivina Hemarathna snatched a bronze each from both categories while Malindu Lanerolle and Yoonus Rauff bagged a bronze each from kumite.

Each contesting member of the contingent was able to win at least a medal or more which is considered a highly commendable feat. The team was coached by Sensei R. J. Alexander, the head coach of Lyceum International Group of Schools and the chief instructor of the Japan Karatedo Itosukai branch of Sri Lanka.

- NA