Macau Invitational Athletics Championship
Team coach Sajith Jayalal said that the Sri Lanka team selected for the forthcoming Macau Invitational Athletics Championship was a good investment for the future, as it comprises young athletes.
Except for one athlete, all the others are young athletes. This is a good opportunity for them, as they will be the future athletes of the country,” said Jayalal, in reply to a query by The Island.
Except for 1,500 metres runner P. H. Chamal, all others in the eight-member team are young athletes who have many more years ahead in athletics.
“I am really glad that they have given a break to some deserving 400 metres runners as well,” said Jayalal.
In the six-member men’s team, former Ratnayake Central athlete Anjana Gunaratne and Dilan Aloka will compete in the 400 metres, while U. G. D. Sandamali has been selected for the women’s 400 metres.
Gunaratne won the men’s 400 metres ahead of Kalhara Seneviratne (currently competing in the Asian Grand Prix), at the recently held athletics trials.
K. A. D. Sandakanthi is the other female athlete selected for the 800 and 400 metres.
Men’s 200 metres specialist, Mohamed Rajaskhan is the only sprinter in the team, while teenager Supun Viraj Randeniya will make his senior international debut at this event. The hurdler (110m) from Ranabima Royal College, Gannoruwa, who won a bronze at the last Asian Junior Athletics Championship, came up with an impressive performance at the recently held trial, with a victory over experienced seniors.
The other athlete in the team is long jumper A. D. A. Fernando.
The eight member Sri Lanka team will leave for Macau today. The championship will be held on May 11 and 12.
Sri Lanka Team: Men’s
A.R.M. Rajaskhan (200M)
Viraj Randeniya (110M hurdles)
Anjana Gunarathne (400M)
A.D.A. Fernando (Long Jump)
Dilan Aloka (400M)
P.H. Chamal (1,500 M)
Women’s
U.G.D. Sandamali (400M)
K.A.D. sandakanthi (800M & 400M)
Coach: Sajith Jayalal
Manager: H.A. Upali
