Sri Lankan powerlifters shine at Asia-Pacific Meet

Sri Lankan powerlifting medal winners 

By Susil Premalal 

The Asia-Pacific Powerlifting Championship concluded on Sunday with Sri Lanka bagging several medals. The championship was held in Melbourne, Australia. 

Four male and one female athlete represented Sri Lanka in the championship. Ruwan Paul, Ransilu Jayathilaka, Vikue Paul and Minura Kannangara competed as male athletes while Lydia Paul represent Sri Lanka in the Women’s 100kg category. 

Lydia won five gold medalsand one bronze medal in the 100kg category. Ruwan, the world champion in weightlifting for many consecutive years, also won three gold medals and one bronze medal in the 120kg category. 

Sri Lanka’s national powerlifting champion Ransilu competed in the 120kg category and won the gold medal in the event.

As a new athlete, Minura, who competed in the junior category in the 95kg category, won a gold medal and a silver medal in his first international competition.

Vikue, who competed in the 105kg category, won a silver medal in the competition he participated in. Accordingly, in this year’s competition, the Sri Lankan team managed to win 10 gold medals, one silver medal and one bronze medal.

Furthermore, at the victory ceremony held at the end of the tournament, the Vice-President of the World Powerlifting Association Margaret Wilkes, announced that the World Powerlifting Championship will be held in Sri Lanka in November.