Vakshan bags 5,000m gold at Thai Open

By: Susil Premalal

Upcoming long-distance runner Vicknaraj Vakshan won the gold medal in the Men’s 5,000 metres event at the Thailand Open Athletic Championships in Bangkok (24). He finished the race in 15 minutes 56 seconds.

Sri Lanka finished the third day of the competition with three gold medals and one silver medal. This is Vakshan’s second medal at this meet having earlier won the silver medal in the Men’s 1,500m event on the opening day of the championship.

This meet, which is held with the participation of several countries in the Asian region, is scheduled to conclude today. Eight athletes are representing Sri Lanka at this meet. Meanwhile, Rusiru Chaturanga won the gold medal in the Men’s 800m event, having previously won the Men’s 1,500m gold medal.

In addition, Sri Lanka team captain Nimali Liyanarachchi won the Women’s 800m gold medal. She is also the silver medallist in the Women’s 1,500m event.

Ayomal Akalanka, a short distance runner, also won a silver medal in the Men’s 400m hurdles event.