A team of Sri Lankan para athletes, who clinched a total of 11 medals at the recently concluded Asian Para Games in China, received a warm welcome upon their return to Sri Lanka. The athletes arrived at the Katunayake International Airport last night.
Out of 26-member strong Sri Lankan contingent, nine medals were earned in athletics, while two medals were secured in swimming events. The outstanding performances included two gold medals, both achieved by Nuwan Indika Gamage in the 100m T44 and Pradeep Somasiri in the 1500m T44, setting new records in the Asian Para Games.
The team collected five silver medals. Indika Gamage secured a silver in Long Jump T44, while swimmer Galina Basnayake excelled in the 400m Freestyle (S9). Javelin thrower Samitha Dulan Kodithuwakku also claimed a silver, breaking the previous Games record. Sprinter Anil Prasanna and Long Jumper Janani Dhanjana added to the silver medal tally in their respective events of 100m T63 and Long Jump T47.
The athletes also bagged four bronze medals. Saman Maduranga Subasinghe achieved bronze in
400m T47, Palitha Bandara attained his personal best in Shot Put F63, while Kumudu Priyanka and swimmer Naveed Raheem secured bronze in Long Jump T47 and 400m Freestyle S9, respectively.
Despite narrowly missing out on a medal, flagbearer Dinesh Priyantha displayed an exceptional performance, breaking the Games record in the Men’s F46 Javelin event, although finishing in 4th place.
In total, the 26 athletes competed across seven different disciplines, with some participating in Rowing, Archery, Wheelchair Tennis, Table Tennis, Powerlifting, and Badminton, showcasing their diversity and talent across a range of sports.
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