The spirit of Sri Lankan athletics is soaring, ignited by a remarkable series of achievements on the international stage over the past few days. Athletes representing the island nation have brought home a significant haul of medals from both the Asian Youth Games (AYG) in Bahrain and the South Asian Athletics Championships (SAAC) in India, signaling a promising future for the country’s sports landscape.
Youthful Glory: Sri Lanka’s Historic Performance at Asian Youth Games 2025
The nation erupted in cheers as the Sri Lankan contingent returned home on Sunday, November 2nd, following their participation in the 3rd Asian Youth Games held in Bahrain. The young athletes delivered an impressive performance, securing a total of seven medals – one Gold, one Silver, and five Bronze – a testament to their dedication and burgeoning talent.
A standout moment in Sri Lankan sports history was etched by Lahiru Achintha of St. Aloysius National School, Ratnapura, who clinched the gold medal in the fiercely contested boys’ 1,500-meter event. This victory marks Sri Lanka’s first-ever gold medal at the Asian Youth Games, a monumental achievement celebrated across the island. The jubilant team received a hero’s welcome at the Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), where they were greeted by Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Sunil Kumara Gamage, Deputy Minister Sugath Thilakaratne, members of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL), proud teachers, and enthusiastic parents.
Beyond Achintha’s golden feat, the Boys Medley Relay Team added a silver medal to the tally, demonstrating collective strength and coordination. Individual brilliance also shone through with Shanuka Costa of Gateway College, Colombo, securing a bronze in the boys’ 400m, and Chathura Dulanjana from Weera Parakrama Secondary School, Yatawatta, earning a bronze in the javelin throw. Nethmi Gimhani (also referred to as Sandeepa Gimhari) claimed a bronze in the girls’ 1500m final, further underscoring the depth of talent emerging from Sri Lanka’s youth ranks. Notably, Kaya Daluwatte also secured a bronze in golf, an achievement made even more remarkable by the tournament rules that prevented a single nation from sweeping all podium positions.
It is particularly significant that the athletics team, comprising a lean contingent of just 21 members, was responsible for six of the seven medals. This highlights the immense potential and targeted training within Sri Lanka’s track and field programs, especially when viewed against the backdrop of a larger 100-athlete delegation competing across 12 sports. The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOCSL) has consistently reiterated its commitment to empowering young athletes and providing them with invaluable international exposure, a strategy that is now clearly bearing fruit.
Dominance in the Region: South Asian Athletics Championships 2025
While the Asian Youth Games celebrated emerging talents, Sri Lankan athletes simultaneously showcased their prowess at the 4th South Asian Senior Athletics Championships in Ranchi, India. The nation’s contingent delivered an outstanding performance, finishing second overall with a remarkable haul of 40 medals, including 16 Gold, 14 Silver, and 10 Bronze.
The significant contribution of the Sri Lanka Army athletes to this success was officially recognized, with 30 of the 59 national representatives hailing from the armed forces. Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Commander of the Army, recently felicitated these medalists, highlighting their dedication and presenting cash incentives to encourage future triumphs.
Among the star performers were Shafiya Yamick, who clinched gold in both the women’s 100m and 200m events, setting a new meet record in the 200m. Chamod Yodasinghe matched her sprinting excellence, securing gold in the men’s 100m. Other notable gold medalists include Tharindu Dasun Samaraweera in high jump, Pasindu Malshan in men’s triple jump, and Madushani Herath, who not only won gold in women’s triple jump with a new meet record but also added a gold in the long jump. Further gold medals were secured by Dasuni Kaushalya (Women’s 400m Hurdles), Rumesh Tharanga (Men’s javelin throw), Dilhani Lekamge (Women’s javelin throw), Harsha Karunarathne (Men’s 800m), and Methmi Wijesuriya (Women’s 10,000m). The collective strength of the Sri Lankan team was also evident in their gold-medal-winning performance in the Men’s 4x400m relay.
Looking Ahead: Sustaining the Momentum
These recent successes underscore a critical juncture for Sri Lankan sports. While the athletes have demonstrated their capability on the continental and regional stages, the challenge now lies in sustaining and building upon this momentum. The 14th South Asian Games, now rescheduled for November 2025 in Pakistan, presents another significant opportunity for Sri Lanka to reaffirm its sporting prowess.
Preparations are already underway, with Sri Lanka Athletics actively identifying and training a national pool of over 50 athletes for upcoming international events, including the South Asian Senior Athletic Championships and other major competitions in 2025. However, the broader ecosystem of sports governance remains crucial. Recent reports of funding suspensions to the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), due to allegations of corruption and governance failures, highlight areas needing urgent reform. Encouragingly, new 2025 regulations for National Sports Associations in Sri Lanka aim to enhance transparency, accountability, and integrity, signaling a concerted effort to create a more robust and ethical sporting environment.
The remarkable achievements of Lahiru Achintha, Shafiya Yamick, and their fellow medalists are not just individual triumphs; they are beacons of hope and inspiration for a nation passionate about sports. With continued investment in grassroots development, athlete welfare, and sound governance, Sri Lanka is well-positioned to achieve even greater success at future South Asian and Asian Youth Games, solidifying its place as a formidable force in regional athletics.
