Para athlete bags a windfall for Silver | Sunday Observer

Para athlete bags a windfall for Silver

16 February, 2020
Champion Para athlete Dinesh Herath receiving Rs. 4.2 million award from  the Sport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma at the Sport Ministry
Champion Para athlete Dinesh Herath receiving Rs. 4.2 million award from the Sport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma at the Sport Ministry

Para athlete Dinesh Herath, the retried Sergeant of the Army was felicitated by Sport Minister Dullas Alahapperuma who presented him with Rs 4.2 million from the National Sports Fund. This was for his achievement at last year’s World Para Athletic championship in Dubai where he won the silver medal.

The 34-year-old para athlete has already won four medals at international meets including a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Paralympics in the F-46 Javelin throw.

Herath also won a gold medal at the last Asian Para Games with a new Asian record of 61.84 metres.

“I have won four international medals but this is the first time that I was presented with such a big amount of money. I think the Sports Minister has given me a valuable gift for my achievements and it is a big boost. I will endeavour to get a gold medal at the Paralympics to be held in Tokyo,” said Herath.

“I am from Anuradhapura but due to training I have to stay in Colombo with facilities provided by the Sports Ministry.

“I am now 34 years old and I think this is going to be my last Paralympics. That’s why I want to win a gold medal to finish my career.”

Minister Alahapperuma said he was pleased with Herath’s performances.

“We always want to protect these athletes and encourage them. Herath has performed well at international level to bring honour to the motherland and we hope he will bring more medals,” said Minister Alahapperuma. 

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