So far only Matilda Karlsson the equestrian handler, has qualified for the Tokyo Olympics Games while a few more athletes are still to qualify. However, as expected the names of two swimmers have come up to the list. They are Matthew Abeysinghe, who established a record in winning seven gold medals at the South Asian Games and who trains in the USA is one.
He certainly deserved to be included in the list with much hope of getting close to winning an Olympic medal. The other swimmer is Anika Gaffoor who is undergoing training in Thailand. The duo should not have any difficulty going to Tokyo in time for the Opening ceremony.
Maxwell de Silva the Secretary of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka said that there is a possibility of a judoka and the gymnast Milka Gihani de Silva making the cut soon.
However, according to Suresh Subramanium, President of the NOC, the athletes have to face a grim chance to qualify. He said that they are not sent overseas to participate and earn qualification points and have been left far behind qualification.
The only hope they have is to excel in the National Championships. Several Sri Lankan athletes who are anticipating a place in the Olympic qualification quota will endeavour to excel at the first stage of the National championship which was rescheduled for May 21 at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
The Authorities have also pledged to give an enhanced bonus system of 100 points for the first placed athletes. This will be an additional privilege when calculating their world rankings.
This points system will benefit the athlete who wishes to qualify for the Olympic Games with the deadline for qualification falling on June 29.
Nilani Ratnayake seems certain of a place in the list being placed 34th while 45 athletes will be selected. However, all eyes will be on the women’s 800m competition where the doors are open to all three runners, Dilshi Kumarasinghe, Gayanthika Abeyratne and Nimali Liyanarachchi who have an opportunity to qualify. Nimali who is 57th in the ranking is just 17 points away from the last qualified athlete. Gayanthika is ranked 61th and Dilshi is ranked 66th.
Javelin thrower Sumedha Ranasinghe and 400m runner Nadeesha Ramanayake too have to excel in this vital meet. They can also enhance their chances if they excel in the Kazakhstan Open meet that also gives them 100 bonus points for a win.