Sri Lanka field young athletics team at Asian Beach Games

By Susil Premalal

Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA) has recommended a young and strong squad of 22 athletes to compete in the athletics events at the upcoming sixth Asian Beach Games in China from April 22 to 30.

Although beach athletics is a relatively new experience for Sri Lankan athletes, coaches expressed confidence that several members of the team have the potential to secure medals at the Asian level.

For the Beach Games, the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) has decided to field a total of 77 athletes across eight sports. With the inclusion of 15 officials, the overall Sri Lankan contingent will consist of 92 members.

Sri Lanka’s representation by sport includes sailing, wrestling, volleyball, athletics, kabaddi, basketball, handball and aquatic sports.

The athletics squad, submitted for approval comprises 11 male and 11 female athletes.

Men’s team:

Malith Koushan Thamel, Malith Tharushan, Pramuditha Silva, Sadun Diyalawaththa, S. Nowsath (60m), Sandunika Lokuge, Vishal Kavinda (High Jump), Kavishan Piyasiri, Sampath Miranda (Long Jump), Mithun Raj, BD Delvita (Shot Putt)

Women’s team:

Thilakshi Muthukumarana, Lakshika Sugandi, Hiruni Madusha Fernando, Saduni Himaya Fernando, Poornika Nethranjalee (60m), Ranindi Pehansa Gamage, Samadhi Nethumini Weerasinghe (High Jump), Samanmali Wickramsinha Arachchi, Shashikala Lankathilaka (Long Jump), Ovini Tharindrie Chandrasekera, Kavya Jayasuriya (Shot Putt)