Sri Lanka wins first two medals at Beach Games

Silver medallist Ishara Samanmali (right) and bronze medallist Shashikala Lankathilaka

By Susil Premalal

Sri Lankan athletes Ishara Samanmali and Shashikala Lankathilaka won the country’s first medals at the Asian Beach Games 2026, securing silver and bronze respectively in the women’s long jump event yesterday.

Samanmali recorded a jump of 5.87 metres to win the silver medal, while Lankathilaka followed closely with a leap of 5.83 metres to claim bronze, marking Sri Lanka’s opening success at the Games.

The gold medal in the event was won by Thuy Hang of Vietnam with a jump of 6.16 metres.

The Asian Beach Games, held from April 22 to 30 in Sanya, China is conducted under the guidance of the Olympic Council of Asia and marks the first major multi-sport event in Asia for 2026.

Sri Lanka is represented by a 77-member contingent competing across eight sports disciplines at the Games, under the supervision of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka.