Rural athletes to the fore at Lanka Lions SC’s T&F meet

By Bernie Wijesekera

There were four new meet records on day one of the Lanka Lions Sports Club’s eighth senior and seventh junior track and field championships at the Sugathadasa Stadium yesterday.

Over 1,700 athletes drawn from various districts were in the fray. Most of them are from rural schools. Tremendous competition prevailed amongst the juveniles and juniors even though they did not have the proper equipment, they possessed guts and determination.

In the girl’s under 16 and 18 straight 800 m finals, Thirini Madermali (under 16) won with a time of 2:38:8 seconds, while Harshani Lakmali Gamage (under 18) with a time of 2:37.9 was placed first. Both are from Gurukula MV Kelaniya.

All four new meet records were in field events. In the boys under 18 final, Sagith Nadeeshan (Long Jump) 6:88 m; In the under 18 and 16 girl’s javelin, Miyara Algama (32.51 m); Gayani Kaushalya Wijesekera (30.14), Miyara (under 16), however had a better throw. Both are from Colombo District.

Ishali Chandrasekera from Ratnapura set up a new meet record in the under 20 triple jump.

The boys under 200 m final proved to be a close tussle. Rasika Yapa from Mahanama burst ahead in the last 50 meters over Lakmal Anuruddha of St. Benedict’s Kotahena with a time of 23.2 secs. He equalled the existing record held by Prasanna Sampath (Badulla District). In the same event 200 m heats, Rasika won with a time of 22.7 secs. The lad is being trained by Dervin Perera.

The meet will be continued at 12 noon today.

The chief guest at today’s finals will be the first secretary of the Lanka Lions SC, G.L.S. Perera.