Sri Lanka wrapped up the fourth Asian Para Games in China with a bang, securing a total of 11 medals yesterday.
Among the athletes who stood out on the final day was Saman Maduranga Subasinghe who dashed into his best performance this season to clinch the bronze medal in the men’s 400m race (T47) yesterday.
Clocking in at 50.37 seconds, Subasinghe’s swift run not only marked his season’s best but also contributed to Sri Lanka’s medal tally, making it the country’s fourth bronze in the Games.
Sri Lanka clinched a total of 11 medals comprising two Golds, five Silver and four Bronze while ending in the 18th slot in the medal rankings among 43 participating nations at the 22-discipline Games. The event had the participation of approximately 4,000 athletes.
Throughout the seven-day Games that commenced on October 22, Sri Lanka showcased its prowess. Nuwan Indika Gamage shone brightly, setting a new Asian Para Games record as he secured a gold medal in the men’s 100m (T44) and Pradeep Somasiri also claimed a gold medal in the men’s 1500m (T46), setting a new Asian Para Games record.
Gamage didn’t stop at the gold and seized a silver medal in the men’s Long Jump (T64), reaching 6.68 meters and surpassing the Asian Para Games record. Anil Prasanna captured a Silver in the men’s 100m (T63) in 12.98 seconds.
The fourth day gave Sri Lanka four more medals to their collection. Samitha Dulan Kodithuwakku soared to a Silver medal in the men’s javelin throw (T64) while surpassing the Asian Para Games record. Janani Dhananjana secured a Silver in the women’s Long Jump (T47) while Kumudu Dissanayake clinched a Bronze in the same event, highlighting two podium finishes in the category. Palitha Bandara achieved a personal best of 14.15 meters, earning a Bronze in the men’s Shot Put (F63).
The penultimate day brought glory to Sri Lankan swimmers as Galina Basnayake and Naveed Raheem, both 18-year-old students won medals. Basnayake won Silver in the women’s 400m Freestyle (S9) with a time of 5:18.28 and Raheem clocked 4:39.63 in the men’s 400m Freestyle (S9), securing the Bronze.
This victory marked the first time in 13 years since 2010 that Sri Lanka bagged medals in swimming at the Asian Para Games.
Both Basnayake and Raheem are students with the former at Lyceum International School Wattala and Raheem at DS Senanayake College Colombo. Their exceptional performances added luster to Sri Lanka’s impressive show at the Games.
