Lanka’s 4x400m relay team comprised Sadew Rajakaruna, Omel Sachintha, Minol Inesh Dismitha, and Kalhara Indupa Silva clinched the gold at the 1st Indian Open Athletics Championship, a World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze-level event held at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar, India.
Kalhara Indupa’s sublime form continued as he anchored the young Sri Lanka 400m relay team to a gold medal with a stunning final leg. The Sri Lanka team finished with 3 minutes 08.22 seconds to clinch the gold.
This victory was more significant as Sri Lanka competed without their regulars such as Aruna Darshana, Kalinga Kumarage and Ayomal Akalanka who withdrew from the event.
Nine Sri Lankan athletes competed at this event in India and won 2 gold, 2 silver and a bronze in this meet. Javelin Thrower Rumesh Tharanga came to the highlight as he won the gold with a new Sri Lanka record of 86.50m and got direct qualification for the World Athletic Championship which will be held from September 13-21 in Tokyo.
Sri Lanka have two javelin throwers Rumesh Tharanga and Sumedha Ranasinghe for a world event by achieving direct qualification standard.
Sri Lanka medal winners at the Meet
Rumesh Tharanga – men’s Javelin Throw – Gold 86.50m
Men’s 4x400m relay – Gold 3.08.22 seconds
Chamod Yodasinghe – men’s 100m – Silver 10.43 seconds
Dilhani Lekamge – women’s Javelin Throw –Silver 54.96m
Sumedha Ranasinghe – men’s javelin Throw – Bronze 80.65
(Dhammika Ratnaweera – Daily News)
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