In the men’s Hockey, Sri Lanka lost to Singapore 3-5 to end up the wooden spoonists in the 10 team competition. Singapore led 2-0 after the 1st quarter. At the end of half time Sri Lanka was trailing 0-3.
Singapore added one more goal in the 3rd quarter but Sri Lanka managed to sound the boards twice. In the 4th quarter both teams were able to score once each. Nuwan Anju Hewage scored two goals while Sandaruwan Priyalanka scored one. However there were many scoring opportunities that were lost.
In Athletics, Manjula Kumara Wijesekera was placed 12th in the Men’s High Jump Final after clearing 2.15m in the 2nd best height of the competition amongst 20 competitors. In the men’s 400m relay, Sri Lanka ran in Lane 8 and finished in 5th place behind Oman and in front of Philippines. Kalinga Kumarage,Anjana Gunaratne,Kasun Seneviratne and Danushka Karunaratne were timed at 3 mts 10.30 seconds. A late 1st baton change did not help either in the 1st heat of round one.
Today the 12th day, Sailor Chameera Lakshan Gunawardene will be in action in the last two races in Mistral Men’s Windsurfing which was pushed back from yesterday. He is lying 7th and last after 10 races. In Seven’s Rugby, Sri Lanka is scheduled to meet Chinese Taipei in their opening encounter in Group C. The bigger focus will be on the Men’s Cricket team who is a medal prospect for Sri Lanka. Lahiru Thirimaanne is leading the team which is packed with many other National Caps. The team which trained extensively before leaving are due to meet hosts South Korea. The prevailing wet weather will probably curtail the proceedings which would be of concern for the firm favourites.
China with 112 Gold’s is on top of the Medal s Table with South Korea having won 44 and Japan with 35 trailing them. Sri Lanka has a solitary Bronze Medal in Women’s Cricket and are placed 33rd.
So far 14 World Records in 03 Sports and 25 Asian Records in 05 Sports have been established at the Games.
President, National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, Hemasiri Fernando has arrived in South Korea and is hoping that Sri Lanka will add to the medal haul.
Haritha Perera @ The Main Media Center in Incheon, South Korea
