Sri Lanka’s National champions qualify for Asian Games
View(s):Sri Lanka’s national modern pentathlon champions, Isiwaruna de Silva and Gayani Dasanayake, have achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the Asian Games 2026 in Japan, marking a proud moment for a sport still new to the island nation’s sports landscape. The Asian Games stand as one of region’s most prestigious multi-sport events, offering Sri Lankan athletes a rare opportunity to compete at the highest level.
While the country has long excelled in several traditional sports, modern pentathlon—introduced to Sri Lanka only in 2016—has carved out a remarkable place in our sporting history with this breakthrough. This achievement was secured through the outstanding performances of Isiwaruna de Silva and Gayani Dasanayake, Sri Lanka’s reigning national champions, who represented the country at the Asian Modern Pentathlon Championships held in Anjo, Japan, from November 10 to 16. Their exceptional results at this official Olympic pathway qualifier earned Sri Lanka eligibility to compete at the Asian Games in the modern pentathlon discipline next year.
Isiwaruna de Silva (2R) and Gayani Dasanayake (2L)
Both athletes are members of the Sri Lanka Air Force, whose Commander and senior leadership have extended their blessings and strong support for this accomplishment.
Modern Pentathlon—one of the oldest Olympic disciplines—was introduced to Sri Lanka in 2016 during the Laser Run City Tour held in Kotte. The initiative was spearheaded by the current President of the Modern Pentathlon Federation of Sri Lanka (MPFSL),Nishanthe Piyaseana. Unlike traditional disciplines that enjoy established training systems, coaching pathways, and national associations, modern pentathlon is uniquely complex, combining five demanding events – fencing, swimming, obstacle course, laser shooting and running.
“This achievement is the result of steady, scientific, and disciplined development over the past ten years,” said MPFSL Secretary General Dr. Prabod Darshana Munasinghe of the University of Moratuwa.
MPFSL Treasurer and National Technical Head Ushan Kodagoda served as team manager, guiding the athletes through the intense qualification process.
“This was the first time Sri Lankan athletes competed in a modern pentathlon competition of this calibre,” Kodagoda said.
With the landmark qualification, modern pentathlon in Sri Lanka now stands on the edge of a very exciting future. The sport’s unique mix of physical and mental skills opens doors for athletes with multi-disciplinary abilities—especially those dreaming of the Olympic pathway.