Wushu exponents shine at National Sports Festival

Best Wushu Athletes from left – P.H.G. Wathsala (Women’s Taolu), W.M.K.D. Bandara (Men’s Taolu), G.H.S. Sandamali (Women’s Sanda) and P.N. Balawardhana (Men’s Sanda).

By Susil Premalal

P.N. Balawardhana of Sabaragamuwa Province and G.H.S. Sandamali of Western Province won the Most Outstanding Athlete Awards in Wushu (Sanda event) at the 49th National Sports Festival (NSF), held at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium, Colombo with the participation of over 100 Wushu players.

Balawardhana secured his award through his exceptional performance in the men’s Wushu Sanda 60kg weight category while Sandamali earned her title through her outstanding skills in the women’s 52kg weight category.

In addition, in the Wushu Taolu segment, W.M.K.D. Bandara of the Western Province was named Best Male Athlete and P.H.G. Wathsala of the Southern Province was named Best Female Athlete.

Based on the talent displayed in this meet, a national pool is expected to be formed in preparation for the 2026 International Wushu Championship.