– It’s heartening to note that after a rather a prolonged medal drought in the athletics realm at the 19th Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, the Lankans could look on with more than a ray of hope in the 2022 version. The Games will take place from 23 September to 8 October, 2023.
As a matter of fact, in 2014 the Lankans did break the hoodoo courtesy Cricket in Incheon, South Korea, but, this island nation could live more conviction rather than speculation while ascertaining the talent at hand this time around.
Besides having two talented and professional cricketing ensembles – men and women, the track also boasts of the fastest man in South Asia in Yupun Abeykoon and as of 8th August 2023 World Athletics; Nadeesha Ramanayake rank No 5 in the 400metres, Gyanthika Abeyratne and Tharushi Karunarathna ranked second and 4th respectively in 800metres at the same time Gayathika Abeyratne rank number 3 in the women’s 1500metres event. In as much to say this is definitely the most opportune juncture for a medal hope after the 90’s exploits of Olympic Silver medalist who was also a star performer in the Asian Games Susanthika Jayasinghe and others in the caliber of Damayanthi Dharsha and Sugath Tillekeratne to name a few.
In this competition 481 gold will be at stake to be shared between 12,500 competitors from 45 National Olympic Committees.
Sri Lanka will be represented by 97 athletes and 57 officials which includes 21 different sports. However, the competition will begin on in reality on September 15 with the advent of the women’s cricket competition.
Commenting on the much heralded event Chef-de-Mission Nishanthe Piyasena said “Knowing the exact length and breadth of the challenge at hand the Lankan Asian Games control unit left no stone unturned to make the flow and smooth as possible for competitors so that they could put their mind on to their mission at hand – winning ‘gold’ for Sri Lanka.
“In a new turn of events, our lot of officials and the medical team visited all available athletes to their spots and venues of training and gave them all medical and logistical support to give them a much needed morale booster and make them feel that each of them were special.”
“At the same time we also made it a point to convince all officials to the Hangzhou event is not a holiday, and it would be a task at hand to deliver. If we are able to act with example, this practice would be an automatic feature in future Games.”
“We are grateful to DSI Samson Group (Pvt) Ltd known as DSI or AVI who shall be the official partner for Team Sri Lanka’s uniform including tracksuit, t-shirts, shoes, bag and a cap to the contingent and LOVI Ceylon shall be the official partner for Team Sri Lanka’s opening ceremony attire.”
Media Release -NOC
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