Sri Lanka made a commanding start to the South Asian Athletics Championship 2025, capturing four gold medals and setting multiple meet records on the opening day in Ranchi, India.
The island nation showcased its sprinting dominance as Chamod Yodasinghe and Safiya Yamic stormed to victory in the men’s and women’s 100m events, both setting new meet records.
Yodasinghe clocked an impressive 11.30 seconds to secure gold, while Yamic powered through the finish line in 11.53 seconds, leading a Sri Lankan one-two as Amasha de Silva claimed silver.
Sri Lanka’s momentum continued in the triple jump, where Pasindu Malshan and Madushani Herath leaped to gold in their respective categories.
Herath’s record-breaking distance of 13.26 metres highlighted the nation’s growing strength in field events, complemented by Sashini Upeksha’s bronze medal effort of 12.79 metres.
In other events, Viknaraj Vaksha earned silver in the men’s 5000m, while Shanuka Costa delivered a gritty performance in the boys’ 400m, clinching bronze with a time of 47.72 seconds.
The field events added more to the medal tally, as Chathura Dulanjana secured bronze in the javelin throw (62.51m), and Suseenthirakumar Mithun Raj and Ovini Chandrasekara claimed bronzes in the men’s and women’s shot put, respectively.
Rounding off the day, the Sri Lankan 4x400m mixed relay team — featuring Kalinga Kumarage, Nadeesha Ramanayaka, Kalhara Indupa, and Sayuri Mendis — captured silver with a time of 3:20.85, underlining the country’s depth across track disciplines.
With four gold medals, two silvers, and four bronzes, Sri Lanka’s athletes have established an early lead in the championship standings, setting a strong tone for the remainder of the South Asian Athletics Championship 2025.
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