by Hishan Welmilla
Sri Lanka’s Paralympics bronze medalist Dinesh Priyantha Herath expect to take the Gold medal at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games in his pet event Men’s F46 Javelin Throw.
Dinesh narrowly missed the Gold medal at the World Para Athletics Championship currently underway in Dubai and had to satisfy with the Silver.
“ It is an disappointment to lose the Gold medal , but my hope is to take the Gold Medal at the Paralympics Games 2020 to in Tokyo. I am sure and confident that I could take the gold’ said Dinesh after the event.
India’s Sundar Singh surpassed Dinesh’s attempt in his final attempt by finding a distance of 61.22 m taking the Gold leaving Sri Lankan behind.
Dinesh who had the bronze at the last Rio Paralympics in 2016 who has recorded 61.84m before the start of the event was the favorite to win the Gold medal .
Dinesh took the lead among 13 competitors of the event from his first attempt by throwing a distance of 60.59m. India’s Ajeet Singh gave him a good fight by throwing a distance of 59.46m followed by another Indian Sundar Singh who won the title in 2017 with 58.05m in their first attempt.
But Sundar Sing surpassed both Sri Lankan and his team mate in his last attempt to take his first Gold medal at a World Athletic Championship.
“ I was leading till the last moment but Sundar Singh’s last attempt put me down to the Silver medal . I was carrying and injury last few months but my determination given me the courage to take part in the World Para Athletics Championship. Even though I lost the Gold am happy that I could make my country proud” Diniesh added.
“I must thank my coach Pradeep Nishantha who has given me all the techniques and courage through out . That help me to reach greater heights . In addition my gratitude goes to the National Paralympic Committee for their support. Further i must thank our sponsors who have helped Sri Lankan contingent to take part in this years World Para Athletics Championship in Dubai, specially Dialog Axiata, Sri Lankan Ailines and ministry of sports ” Dinesh elaborated.
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