Sri Lanka’s national modern pentathlon champions have reached a significant milestone by qualifying for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan. The achievement marks a major step forward for a sport that was introduced to the country less than a decade ago.
The qualification was earned through the performances of national champions Isiwaruna De Silva and Gayani Dasanayake, who represented Sri Lanka at the Asian Modern Pentathlon Championships held in Anjo, Japan, from 10-16 November. Their results at this official Olympic-pathway event ensured Sri Lanka’s eligibility to compete in modern pentathlon at next year’s Asian Games.
Both athletes are members of the Sri Lanka Air Force, whose Commander and senior officers have expressed their support for the team’s efforts.
Modern pentathlon, one of the oldest Olympic disciplines, was introduced to Sri Lanka in 2016 at the Laser Run City Tour in Kotte. The initiative was led by Nishanthe Piyaseana, President of the Modern Pentathlon Federation of Sri Lanka (MPFSL), whose involvement established the sport locally.
The sport consists of five events – fencing, swimming, obstacle course, laser shooting, and running – making athlete preparation technically demanding in a local context lacking established systems and infrastructure. Over the past decade, MPFSL has worked to develop structures, coaching pathways, and technical capacity to build athletes capable of meeting international standards.
“This achievement is the result of steady, scientific, and disciplined development over the past ten years,” He noted that the Federation faced setbacks including the COVID-19 pandemic, economic challenges, limited sponsorship, and the difficulty of promoting a new sport in Sri Lanka, said the University of Moratuwa MPFSL Secretary General Dr. Prabod Munasinghe.
MPFSL Treasurer and National technical head Ushan Kodagoda, who served as team manager, highlighted the role of Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage, whose support ensured government funding for air travel to the qualification event. “This was the first time Sri Lankan athletes competed in a modern pentathlon competition of this calibre,” Kodagoda said.
“The Minister placed complete trust in the team and ensured they received the assistance needed to represent the country. His support played a major role in achieving this qualification.”
With the Asian Games qualification confirmed, MPFSL is preparing long-term plans aimed at strengthening the sport and developing a wider athlete base. The Federation has also outlined future goals, including a strategy focused on the 2028 Olympic Games.
As Sri Lanka moves toward the 2026 Asian Games, the performances of Isiwaruna De Silva and Gayani Dasanayake are expected to encourage more young athletes to take up the sport and contribute to its growth nationwide.
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