By Dhammika Ratnaweera
Two Sri Lankan records and six new meet records were established on this meet while one meet record was equalled at the 97th National Athletics championships, which concluded after three days of spectacular competition at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
Sri Lankan triple jump champion Vidusha Lakshani set up new Sri Lankan record with 13.66 m as she bettered her own record which set up two years ago. Amila Jayasiri, the winner in the long jump and 3000m steeplechase winner Lilani Ratnayake won the most outstanding athletes awards in this meet.
Vidusha who also won the long jump event previous day said that she is very satisfied with her performances to grab two gold medals. “I should be thankful to Luis Miranda, the present Cuban coach and my first coach Philp Ranjith for their support to build up my skills. I never expected long jump gold and I did that to improve my techniques,” said Vidusha.
Meanwhile South Asian Pole Volt record holder Ishara Sandaruwan set up a new meet record with a 5.01 m. However, he was disappointed this time as this event already not included for the forthcoming South Asian Games
R.M S Pushpakumara once again dominated the 3000m steeplechase event with winning the gold medal with a time of 9.02.62 minutes. Pushpakumara who is the record holder for this event from last 14 years once again came u with good performances. In addition, he was running 5000m to grab the gold medal.
US-based Long distance athlete Hiruni Wijayaratna who won the 10000km previous day completed her second gold at 5000m event with a time of 16.54 minutes. However, Lilani Ratnayake made a good fight to Hiruni, unfortunately, got injured in the fifth round of the race. Hiruni was selected for both 10000m and 5000m events at the South Asian Games.
Meanwhile, Sharmila Jaan won the 200m with 24.85 seconds while 400m gold medal winner Nadeesha Ramanayake had to satisfied silver in this 200m race. Vinod Sauranjaya who missed 100m gold with 0.1 difference came up with good performances to win the 200m with 21.41seconds to qualify South Asian Games.
Kaushalya Madushani recorded her personal best at the 400m race with 58.18 seconds. Nimali Liyanachchi clinched the second gold in this meet when she finished first at the 800m while Dilshi Kumarasinghe made a good fight to Nimali finished second. Nimali who set up new Sri Lanka record at 1500m on the first day got her first gold. Idunnil Herath and Rushiru Chaturanga had a close fight at the 800m but finally, Herath won the gold medal. Olympian Sumedha Ranasinghe was the last winner when he took javelin throw gold with a distance of 80.76m.
ATHLETICS ASSOCIATION OF SRI LANKA
97th NATIONAL ATHLETICS CHAMPIONSHIPS – 2019 CHALLENGE TROPHIES
1. THE DUNCAN WHITE CHALLENGE CUP
Will be awarded to the Men athlete whose performance is considered the best in the Men’s
Hurdles Events at the meet.
ALAI Rathnasena Sri Lanka Air Force 400m Hurdles 51.6 sec (HT) Points – 1045
2. THE C.C. DISSANAYAKE CHALLENGE TROPHY
Will be awarded to the Men athlete whose performance is considered the best in the
Throwing events at the meet.
RMSJ Ranasingha Sri Lanka Army Javelin Throw 80.76m Points – 1112
3. THE N.M. VASAGAM CHALLENGE TROPHY
Will be awarded to the Men athlete whose performance is considered the best in
The jumping events at the meet.
WP Amila Jayasiri Sri Lanka Army Long Jump 8.06m Points – 1151
4. HORLICKS CHALLENGE TROPHY
Presented by Smith Kline Beacham Mackwoods Ltd., Will be awarded to Men
Athlete whose performance is considered the best in Sprint Events.
S Aruna Dharshana Sri Lanka Army 400m 46.68 sec (SF) Points – 1066
5. ANTHONY ABEYSINGHE CHALLENGE TROPHY
Donated by Dr N. Ethirweerasingam will be awarded to the Athlete whose
Performance is considered the best in the High Jump Events.
HTUT Perera Sri Lanka Army High Jump 2.13m Points – 1028
6. CHANDI KANNANGARA MEMORIAL TROPHY
Presented by the Directors for the Trico Group of companies for best
Performance Women – Sprints
R Nadeesha Sri Lanka Army 400m 53.11 sec Points – 1084
7. GRAYLINE GROUP CHALLENGE TROPHY
Presented by Grayline Homes for best performance Women – Middle Distance
UIKN Rathnayaka Sri Lanka Army 3000m St. Chase 9:50.74 sec Points – 1117
8. HUXLEY’S WINTOGENO CHALLENGE TROPHY
For best performance Women – Long Distance
Hiruni Wijerathne Lanka Lions 10,000m 35:30.0 sec Points – 961
9. GLUCOLIN CHALLENGE TROPHY
Presented by the Glaxo Ceylon Ltd., for best performance Women – Hurdles
EK Madhushani Sri Lanka Army 400m Hurdles 58.16 sec Points 1076
10. HNB CHALLENGE TROPHY
Presented by Hatton National Bank for the best performance of Women – Jumps
HDV Lakshani Sri Lanka Army Triple Jump 13.66m *NSLR Points 1083
11. SALONPAS CHALLENGE TROPHY
Presented by Akbar Pharmaceuticals (Pvt) Ltd
For best performance Women – Throws
BL Nadeeka Lakmali Sri Lanka Army Javelin Throw 57.19m Points – 1026
12. GOVERNOR GENERALS CUP
Will be awarded to the Men athlete whose performance is considered the best in the
Middle & Long Distance events at the meet
HEMIG Indunil Madushan Herath Sri Lanka Army 800m 1:49.01 ssec Points – 1054
13. THE COLOMBO CANTEEN COMMITTEE CHALLENGE CUP
Will be awarded to the Competitor whose achievements is considered the best in
The Women’s Events at the Meet.
UIKN Rathnayaka Sri Lanka Army 3000m St. Chase 9:50.74 sec Points – 1117
14. THE WILTON BARTLEET CHALLENGE TROPHY
Will be awarded to the athlete whose performance is considered the best men event
At the meet
WP Amila Jayasiri Sri Lanka Army Long Jump 8.06m Points – 1151
15. N. VYRAVANATHAN MEMORIAL CHALLENGE CUP
Will be awarded to the Athletic whose performance in any individual event is
Considered the Best at the Meet (Men & Women)
WP Amila Jayasiri Sri Lanka Army Long Jump 8.06m Points – 1151
Equal Meet Record 1
New Meet Record 6
New Sri Lanka Record 3
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