The Sri Lanka men’s 4x400m relay team could be destined to achieve something as they gear up for the 19th World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, scheduled to take place from August 19 to 27.
With newfound confidence, the island-nation has achieved a significant milestone by securing a spot in the semi-finals, a feat that has eluded Sri Lanka in the championship’s history.
Traditionally, Sri Lanka has faced challenges progressing beyond the initial stages of the World Championships in the 4x400m relay category. However, this time around, the team’s fortune has taken an optimistic turn as they earned an automatic qualification for the semi-finals.
Their remarkable success can be attributed to an outstanding performance at last month’s Asian Athletics Championships 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand where they clinched the gold medal with an impressive time of 3:01:56. This remarkable timing places them second-best in the world this year and has earned Sri Lanka a well-deserved 12th position among the top 16 relay teams worldwide.
The quartet responsible for this historic achievement comprises Kalinga Kumarage, Aruna Dharshana, Pabasara Niku and Rajitha Rajakaruna, with reserves Pasindu Kodikara and Dinuka Deshan.
Their surprising victory in Bangkok has opened up new possibilities for Sri Lanka Athletics, particularly as they now shift their focus to the forthcoming Asian Games in September-October in China, where they are determined to vie for the gold medal.
Among the 16 teams participating in the World Athletics Championships, Sri Lanka will face tough competition from two other Asian teams, India and Japan, adding further intensity to the global event.
The opportunity to compete against the world’s best relay teams at the World Athletics Championships represents a momentous occasion for Sri Lanka Athletics, providing them with a global stage to showcase their athletic prowess. As they take the starting blocks alongside heavyweight contenders like USA, France and South Africa, the anticipation and prestige of the event continue to soar.
“For us, this is a massive achievement,” said Sri Lanka’s Athletics secretary Saman Kumara, expressing pride in the team’s achievements and aspirations. “The journey has been challenging, but their hard work and dedication have finally paid off.”