Tharushi should target Olympic medal in 2028, not in Paris 2024: SLA Secretary

8 October 2023 09:42 pm - 12 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Sri Lanka Athletic (SLA) General Secretary Saman Kumara Gunawardena says that an Olympic medal should be expected from Asian 'Golden Girl' Tharushi Karunarathna in Sri Lankan athletics, not in the 2024 Paris Olympics but in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.

"As Tharushi, who is currently 18 years old, should give priority to her education in the future, apart from 2024 Paris Olympics Games participation, no medal is expected from her," Gunawardena, SLA and South Asia's Athletic Statistics Veteran and Director of Sports, University of Kelaniya for more than three decades, told 'Daily Mirror'.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan team, including Hangzhou Asian Games 800m Golden Girl Tharushi, is scheduled to arrive in Colombo from China Tuesday (October 10).

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Sri Lanka's 14-member Athletic Squad won one gold, one silver, and two bronze medals and managed to finish in 8th place in the Hangzhou Athletic Medal tally. The entire Sri Lanka contingent comprised 96 athletes from 21 sports.

"Tharushi won the Asian Games Gold Medal, and it was learned that several foreign universities have offered to award international scholarships. We should appreciate that. But Tharushi's next major challenge should be to pass the A/L exam in Sri Lanka. Aside from education at a young age, we can tell from the experience of many people who chased medals and money. Therefore, first she should complete her education successfully and get qualified for local university education. Secondly, she can go for an Olympic medal in 2028 with international training," Gunawardena pointed out.

In 2024, Tharushi's main challenge in the Sri Lankan sports field will be to get qualification for the Paris Olympics. The Olympic athletic qualification period is designated from June 1, 2023, to July 31, 2024. No one has qualified for that in any sport in Sri Lanka so far.

The Olympic 800m women's entry standard has been announced by the IAAF as 1 minute, 59.30 seconds. Tharushi's personal best time in the event is 2:00.66. Therefore, she has to make a strong effort to qualify for the Olympics in the future.

"It is difficult to expect a medal from Tharushi in the Paris Olympics in the face of the main challenges of giving priority to education and being qualified for Olympic entry, but Tharushi's age will be 23 by 2028. Therefore, Tharushi can go for a medal in the 2028 Olympics after finishing her education," Gunawardena said.

Susanta Fernando, an experienced coach who has introduced many athletes at the international level, is Tharushi's coach, and he said that he is confident that she will go on to win an Olympic medal.

The last Sri Lankan to win an Olympic medal was Susanthika Jayasinghe at the 2000 Sydney Games.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka Cricket has decided to offer LKR 10 million for Tharushi's achievement, while the Ministry of Sports is offering LKR 15 million. (Susil Premalal / Pix: AFP)

Comments - 12

Dan Ratnam Monday, 09 October 2023 03:40 AM

I Totally Agree

Waco Monday, 09 October 2023 05:35 AM

How is this man predicting this?

DD Monday, 09 October 2023 05:53 AM

The 2028 Los Angeles Games present a fantastic opportunity for the Sri Lankan community residing in Los Angeles to rally behind and support Tharushi on her journey, much like they did for Susanthika Jayasinghe in the past. Their support could play a pivotal role in Tharushi's quest for success at the 2028 Olympics.

Daya weerasinghe Monday, 09 October 2023 08:32 AM

Yes it is obvious. Only thing we need to have proper plan and execution of such a plan. It involves lot of other factors.Not only providing money and showering with congratulatory messages.

Waco Monday, 09 October 2023 08:41 AM

Leave this girl alone. This is the best time for her to continue training. She is in mentally and physically on top form. Decision should be her’s. If she is going to do higher studies, her standards will drop. Those two will never go together.

THARAKA D V K Monday, 09 October 2023 09:59 AM

Of course, subject to her wish, isn't there any way one can proceed with desired field at the right time, without forcebly pushing into the traditional education/progressive system?

True Lankan Monday, 09 October 2023 12:36 PM

there you go with the political influence, let her decide what to do next, stop poking your noses.

RR Monday, 09 October 2023 12:45 PM

LET THARUSHI DECIDE HER FUTURE

Who is she to decide when she is Sri Lanka rep, sports officials decide Monday, 09 October 2023 04:09 PM

No Sri Lanka decides what is good for her!

Ran Monday, 09 October 2023 01:42 PM

Why not in 2024?

Wimal Wijeratne Monday, 09 October 2023 06:41 PM

What’s the point in having education in this country when she is perfect in her chosen field.She should definitely aim at Paris Olympics.

sportsman Tuesday, 10 October 2023 07:09 AM

Unlike the Asian Games where the standard of women sports is very low in comparison the standard of women sports in the Olympics is very high and Tharushi will need to put in some extra effort to win a Gold Medal in Los Angeles

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Tharushi should target Olympic medal in 2028, not in Paris 2024: SLA Secretary

Comments - 12

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