Ayomal Breaks 26-Year Record, Claims U23 Asian Silver

Ayomal Akalanka

By Susil Premalal

Sri Lanka’s rising hurdler Ayomal Akalanka shattered a 26-year-old national record to win the silver medal in the men’s 400m hurdles at the inaugural Asian Under-23 Athletics Championships, which concluded in Ordos, China yesterday.
Sri Lanka was represented by three male and three female athletes at the championship, organised by Asian Athletics.
Akalanka finished second in 49.03 seconds, breaking the previous Sri Lankan national record of 49.44 seconds, which had been set by Harijan Ratnayake in Jakarta 26 years ago.
China’s Xinfeng Xu claimed the gold medal in 48.68 seconds, while compatriot Anan Ye secured the bronze medal in 49.04 seconds.
Sri Lanka also celebrated another podium finish through Jithma Wijethunga, who won the bronze medal in the women’s 400m with a personal best time of 53.10 seconds.