The 92nd Sir John Tarbat Senior Athletics Championship concluded successfully yesterday, on the 3rd of October, at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo.
Several new competition records were set during the events held yesterday, in addition to the multiple records that have been broken throughout the duration of this meet too.
In the men’s 1500-meter event, T.G.H. Dulan Janan Pradeepan from Lyceum International School, Wattala, set a new record with a time of 4:43.78 minutes.
Meanwhile, in the women’s under-18 400×4 relay, the team from Ambagamuwa Central College, Hatton, set a new record with a time of 3:59.11 minutes. Similarly, the under-18 boys’ 400×4 relay team from St. Benedict’s College, Colombo, also set a new record with a finishing time of 3:21.14 minutes.
In this meet, two new under-18 national records were established too, and 14 other competition records were broken, which is a large amount of records, showing how the athletes have had significant achievements in this year’s championship.
At the 92nd Sir John Tarbat Athletics Championship, Dilini Rajapaksha from Lyceum International School, Wattala, set a new record in the girls’ under-16 long jump event and was awarded the Best Athlete of the tournament for her accomplishments. Her potential renders her one of the rising stars in the future of Sri Lankan athletics.
At just 14 years old too, Dilini won the award for the Best Long Jumper.
Additionally, South Asian gold medalist Sandun Kosala from Lyceum International School, Wattala, set a new record in the under-20 men’s 110-meter hurdles, completing the race in 14.10 seconds. He was awarded the Best Male Athlete of the competition.
Furthermore, South Asian gold medalist Lasantha Arthavindu was awarded the Best High Jumper, and Omel Silva, who equaled the under-18 national record in the 400 meters, won the award for the Best 400-meter Runner.
Another standout athlete was Tarushi Abhisheka from Wickramabahu College, Gampola, who won her third gold medal in the under-18 women’s 1500-meter event, having already won the 3000-meter and 800-meter events earlier on in the past few days.
In the final standings, the boys’ championship was won by Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa, with St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena, in second place. Maris Stella College, Negombo, followed in third place. The girls’ championship was won by Lyceum International School, Wattala, with second place going to Walala A. Ratnayake Central College and third place to Ave Maria Convent, Negombo.
Live coverage of these four eventful days was provided by ThePapare, Sri Lanka’s number one sports channel. We congratulate all the young athletes who have had significant achievements in this meet, and the future of athletics in this country is looking very bright, for there are many names to be looked out for in the coming years, and must be given the adequate attention and support locally, in order to pave their way internationally.
Make sure to stay tuned to ThePapare for all the latest updates in local athletics!
