Sri Lanka Athletics will present its largest team at the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, including men’s and women’s 4×400 metres relay teams. The absence of key sprinter Aruna Dharshana may affect overall performance. Sri Lanka’s young athletes, led by Kalinga Kumarage and Nadeesha Ramanayake, will compete against strong teams from the USA, Jamaica, and others. Additionally, two athletes qualified for individual events based on rankings.
Sri Lanka is preparing to showcase its largest team ever at the World Indoor Championships, which will commence in Nanjing, China, on Friday. Following an invitation from World Athletics, Sri Lanka Athletics has sent both men’s and women’s 4×400 metre relay teams to participate in the event. The absence of several powerhouse nations has provided an opportunity for the Sri Lankan teams to compete at a global level.
The men’s 4×400 metres relay quartet will feature sprinter Kalinga Kumarage leading junior athletes S.B.R. Madushan, Sadew Rajakaruna, and Omel Shashintha. Notably, Rajakaruna recently set a national junior record. Meanwhile, Isuru Lakshan will serve as the reserve for the men’s team. Unfortunately, leading sprinter Aruna Dharshana is unavailable as he is fulfilling commitments in Australia, which may impact Sri Lanka’s performance prospects.
Conversely, the women’s team will be bolstered by Asian medallist Nadeesha Ramanayake, accompanied by upcoming sprinters Nishendra Harshani, Sayuri Lakshima, and Jayeshi Uththara. The reserve for the women’s team is Jithmi Wijetunga. Competing against nations such as China, India, and the USA, the women’s team faces significant challenges ahead.
In addition to the relay teams, two individual athletes, hurdler Kaveesha Bandara and sprinter Chamod Yodasinghe, have earned their spots based on World Athletics event rankings. The World Indoor Championships will witness 576 athletes representing 127 countries, comprising 264 women and 312 men, which underscores the level of competition and international participation.
In summary, Sri Lanka is poised to make a powerful impact at the World Indoor Championships with its largest delegation, despite challenges due to the absence of key sprinters. The participation of the men’s and women’s 4×400 metres relay teams, coupled with individual athletes, reflects Sri Lanka’s growing capabilities in athletics. The country faces formidable rivals in the relays, offering a significant platform for emerging talent.
Original Source: island.lk
