The 102nd National Athletics Championships held in Sri Lanka from June 25th to 27th, 2024, at the Diyagama Sports Complex, marked a significant milestone in the country’s athletic calendar. The event brought together a diverse array of athletes representing various affiliates, including the Sri Lanka Air Force, Sri Lanka Army, Sri Lanka Police, and other esteemed institutions, creating a platform for showcasing exceptional talent and fostering a spirit of healthy competition. Also, it was mesmerizing to see our very own star athletes participated in this meet to compete on the home soil. Yupun Abeykoon, Aruna Darshana, Kalinga Kumara, Nadeesha Ramanayake, Tharushi Karunarathna and Rumesh Tharanga were few of many.
The championship kicked off with a burst of energy and enthusiasm as athletes from across the nation gathered to compete in a wide range of track and field events. The atmosphere was electric, with spectators cheering on their favorite athletes and witnessing thrilling displays of speed, strength, and endurance. Specially many locals gathered to see fastest man in South Asia run in our tracks.
Stunning track athlete, Aruna Darshana was awarded the N. Vyravanathan Memorial Challenge Cup for being the Best at the Meet performing a timing of 45.51 seconds in the 400m, clinching 1145 IAAF points. While yet again he was recognized as the Best Male athlete, on the other hand our gold star, Tharushi Karunarathna was awarded the Best Women’s Athlete in the meet.
In the Men’s 10000m Final, spectators were treated to a display of sheer determination and stamina as P.A.P Madhuranga from the Sri Lanka Air Force crossed the finish line in a remarkable time of 31:16.37, securing the top spot on the podium. The competition was fierce, with J.K Prasan from the Sri Lanka Army and M Sivarajan from the Sri Lanka Air Force putting up strong performances to claim the second and third positions, respectively.
Y.C.M Yodhasinghe clinched the 100m Men’s final with a timing of 10.44. Our start speedster, Yupu Abeykoon had to stop in the middle of the heats as he suffered a cramp in the hamstring.
On the women’s side, W.K.L.A Nimali from the Sri Lanka Air Force emerged as a standout performer in the 1500m Final, displaying a combination of speed, endurance, and strategic racing tactics to clinch the gold medal with a time of 4:24.11. The Women’s 5000m Final witnessed a captivating battle for supremacy, with W.A.M.R Wijesuriya from the Sri Lanka Army showcasing her long-distance running prowess to claim victory in 16:39.98
The field events were equally enthralling, with athletes showcasing their skills and precision in disciplines such as the Hammer Throw and Javelin Throw. HAA Lakshika from the Sri Lanka Air Force impressed in the Hammer Throw, while H.L.N Dilhani Lekamge from the Sri Lanka Army demonstrated her throwing prowess in the Javelin Throw. The Heptathlon event was a test of versatility and endurance, with P.S.N Fernando from the Sri Lanka Army emerging as the overall champion.
The meet also featured gripping races in the 800m events, with D.M.H.S Karunarathna from the Sri Lanka Army delivering a stellar performance in the Men’s Final, crossing the finish line in 1:52.23. The competition was intense, with athletes pushing themselves to the limit and showcasing their determination to succeed. Also, his sister, well known Tharushi Karunarathna clinched the 800m event in the same day.
Nethsara Dakshitha was dominant throughout the Women’s Pole Vault event, where she clinched the gold medal establishing a new national record, with a height of 3.72m. R Indusara was able to break the national junior record in the event 200m, recording a time of 21.14 securing the second place at the meet.
Beyond the individual performances and podium finishes, the 102nd National Athletics Championships served as a platform for fostering camaraderie, sportsmanship, and a sense of community among athletes and spectators alike. The event not only celebrated athletic excellence but also highlighted the values of dedication, perseverance, and teamwork that are integral to the world of sports.
In conclusion, the 102nd National Athletics Championships in Sri Lanka were a testament to the country’s rich sporting heritage and the remarkable talent of its athletes. The event showcased the best of Sri Lankan athletics and provided a platform for athletes to shine on a national stage. As the athletes return to their training grounds and prepare for future competitions, the spirit of the championships will continue to inspire and motivate the next generation of sporting stars in Sri Lanka.
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