By Dhammika Ratnaweera
Sri Lankan contingent of para athletes started their campaign with more positivity to win five medals in the opening day of track and field events of the Asian Para Games 2018 on Monday (8th) in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The Manager of the Sri Lanka team Colonel Deepal Herath said that there is a greater possibility that Sri Lanka would win more than 14 medals won last time in 2014 in South Africa. “Our Athletes are very confident of their performances and are in good form to prove their abilities” added Colonel Herath.
For the first time in Sri Lankan Para games history all three Sri Lankans were seen on the podium at the men’s 200m T42,63 events. This was historical and for the first time Three Sri Lankan flags were hoisted in same time at the Jakartha main stadium where gold, silver and bronze medals took by Sri Lankans para athletes. Colonal Deepal Herath told srilankasports.com that it was a tremendously dominant performance by the three Sri Lankan athletes who participated in the Men’s 200m T42, 63 final as they managed to secure the top three spots. Amila Prasanna 26.01 seconds won the gold medal followed by Upul Indika Chuladasa 26.08 seconds with the silver medal and Buddika Indrapala 26.59 seconds were the three lucky winners for Sri Lanka team.
Meanwhile Amara Indumathi the double silver medalist at the 2014 Incheon Asian Para Games started in great style as she managed to win Silver in the Women’s Long jump T45/46/47 with a leap of 4.62m. Abdulleva Kamolakhon of Uzbekistan won Gold in the event leaping 4.71m in her last attempt which denied Amara from wining Gold. Zahara Boranaki of Iran won Bronze with a leap of 4.51m. Kumudu Priyanka Dissanayake the other Sri Lankan athlete who competed in the same event had to be satisfied with a fourth place with her best leap being measured at 4.41m. However Amara Indumathi said she will compete this category 200m and 400m with more confidence .She said very likely to get medals in her two sprint events to get honour Sri Lanka once again.
The last Sri Lankan medal on day 1 was by Sampath Hettiarachchige . This was his third silver medal for Sri Lanka when he took part in Javelin throw F42-44/61-64 event, just 70cm short of the Gold medal mark with his final attempt which turned out to be his best throw being measured at 59.32m. Gold medal winner India’s Sandeep Sandeep’s best throw was measured at 60.01m coming in his third attempt. Ali Omidi of Iran won the Bronze medal with a throw of 58.97m. However Sri Lankan Samith Dulan was unlucky to miss out on a podium finish as he had to settle for the fourth place with his best throw of 58.38m coming short of the Bronze medal mark.
Meanwhile National Paralympic Committee President Major General Rajitha Ampemohotti said Sri Lankans will compete more track and field competitions and also expected more medals from five finals tomorrow (9) the second day of the track and field events. Out players got have good morale with five medals on the first day and we hope to to continue this winning spirit said National Paralympic chief. On the opening ceremony Sri Lakann para team led by Paralympian bronze medalist Dinesh Herath were took part at the march past.
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