By Hishan Welmilla
Ach-Nagoya. Dinesh Deshapriya pushes Chinese opponent Yaqing to a five-set battle, while Walimunige Munidasa gains valuable international experience in wheelchair table tennis at Aichi-Nagoya 2026.
Sri Lankan para table tennis players Dinesh Deshapriya and Walimunige Munidasa began their campaigns at the 2026 Asian Para Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, facing challenging opponents in their respective group-stage matches.
Deshapriya produced a determined performance against China’s Yaqing Zhao but narrowly lost 3–2 in a closely contested match. Despite the defeat, the Sri Lankan fought until the final stages, pushing his Chinese opponent through five sets in a competitive encounter.
The narrow margin of defeat highlighted Deshapriya’s fighting spirit as he sought to make an impact on the Asian stage. Although the result did not go in his favour, his performance demonstrated his determination to compete against some of the continent’s leading para table tennis players.
Meanwhile, Munidasa made his debut at the Asian Para Games, representing Sri Lanka in the men’s wheelchair table tennis competition. He faced Japan’s Genki Saito in his opening match and went down 3–0 in sets.
Although Munidasa was unable to secure victory in his first appearance, the match provided him with valuable international exposure and an opportunity to experience the intensity of competition at a major continental sporting event.
Competing against experienced opponents at this level presents a significant challenge, but such experiences can play an important role in an athlete’s development and future performances.
Both players will be looking to build on their opening-match experiences as they continue their respective campaigns at the Games.
Sri Lanka’s participation in the para table tennis events reflects the determination of its athletes to compete on the international stage and represent the country with pride. As the competition progresses, Deshapriya and Munidasa will be aiming to produce stronger performances in their upcoming group matches.
The 2026 Asian Para Games bring together athletes from across Asia, celebrating sporting excellence, resilience and the determination to overcome challenges. For Sri Lanka’s para table tennis representatives, the tournament offers an important opportunity to gain experience, demonstrate their abilities and pursue success against some of the region’s best competitors.
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