Sri Lanka’s Para athlete Amara Indumathi, the silver medal winner in the women’s long jump event at the Asian Para Games held in Jakarta last October has been upgraded to receive the gold medal after the gold medal winner Abdullaeya Kamolakhon of Uzbekistan was tested positive for a banned substance.
Kamolakhon was tested positive for methasterone and found guilty following hearings. Bronze medallist Zahara Bornaki of Iran will now receive the silver medal and Sri Lanka’s Kumudu Priyanka who finished fourth will receive the bronze medal.
Indumathi, the 32 year old athlete from Monaragala, who had lost her right hand, represented Sri Lanka at the Paralympics in 2012 and 2016 as well. She also participated in the World Para Athletic Championships in 2013 and 2017. The dedicated para athlete won the bronze medal in the 200m and a silver medal in long jump event at the 2014 Para Asian Games held in Incheon, South Korea.
“Actually I had a dream of winning the gold medal this time and now it’s become a reality and joy after waiting for ten months. I have already taken part in 12 international meets and won 14 medals and this time the gold is very special.”
“My present coach Harijan Ratnayake always backed me to achieve the gold medal. This is my 13th year of my athletic carrier which started with my first coach Opanayake. Then Chaminda Weerasinghe and Vimukthi Zoyza were also my coaches,” recalled Indumathi.
Her next target is to take part at the world Para athletic championships and coach Harijan Ratnayake said that they have ten months of training. President of the Paralympic Committee Major General Rajitha Ampemohotti is always having discussions with the coaches to ensure the athletes get the best coaching.
Sri Lanka sent 35 athletes for the last Para Asian Games held in Jakarta and returned with five gold, five silver and five bronze medals and finished 14th out of 43 countries.