Sri Lanka’s fastest men and women are preparing for a thrilling run at the Special Selection Trial today, aiming to secure spots in the upcoming Asian Relay Championship. The Sugathadasa Stadium is set to witness blazing speed as top sprinters take to the track from 7AM onwards.
This trial is crucial as it will determine who will represent Sri Lanka in the inaugural Asian Relay Championship, scheduled to take place in Thailand on May 21 and 22. Athletes will compete in the 100m and 400m events, with the top performers earning their ticket to the high-profile competition.
Notably, 2023 Asian Games gold medalist Tharushi Karunaratne will make her eagerly awaited return to the track after her remarkable victory. Her presence adds excitement to an already electrifying event.
In the 400m category, two standout athletes, Kalinga Kuamrage and Aruna Darshana, will be rested for the trial. This decision aims to give other talented runners a chance to highlight their skills. Among the women, Nadeesha Ramanayake and Sayuri Mendis, who have shown exceptional form this year, will also sit out the trial.
For the 100m event, five athletes will be selected from both the men’s and women’s categories. In the 400m event, four athletes will earn their place, with the top two contenders resting for the trial.
The lineup of Sri Lanka’s top sprinters is impressive. Leading the charge in the women’s 100m are Amasha Silva, Rumeshika Ratnayake, Medhani Jayamanna, Shafiya Yamic, Anuruddhika Muthukumarana, Lakshika Sugandi, Shenella Senevirathne, DS Ranasgalla, and Dinara Bandara Dela.
In the men’s 100m event, except for Yupun Abeykoon, the country’s top sprinters are all set to compete. Among them are Chamod Yodasinghe, Merone Wijesinghe, Chanuka Dharmakeerthi, KM Chathuranga, Chalith Piumal, PH Gamlath, Deneth Senanayake, Ajith Premakumara, and Dineth Induwara.
In the women’s 400m, a relentless competition is expected with athletes like Sayuri Mendis, Shanika Lakshani, Takshima Nuhansa, Jithma Wijetunga, HM Fernando, Nishendra Fernando, Tharushi Karunaratne, Rumeshika Ratnayake, and Shafiya Yamic all vying for a spot.
Meanwhile, the men’s 400m category will witness intense battles as Pasindu Kodikara, Dinuka Deshan, Pabasara Niku, Rajitha Rajakaruna, Harsha Karunaratne, Ishan Maduranga, Isuru Lakshan, Isuru Abeywardena, and Jathya Kirulu aim to prove their mettle on the track.
It’s important to note that Yupun Abeykoon, Sri Lanka’s top men’s 100m runner, Commonwealth Games medalist, and Olympian, will not be participating in this trial, adding further intrigue to the event.
Additionally, time finals will be conducted for junior athletes eyeing participation in the Asian Junior Athletics Championship.
Sajeewa Jayakody