Dinusha Kumari Perera, a trailblazing Sri Lankan karateka, has reached a new milestone in her illustrious career with her appointment as the women’s coach at the Sharjah Women’s Sports Club this month.
Her new role is proof of her exceptional talent, achievements and potential that marks a significant step forward in her journey as a coach.
Dinusha’s coaching journey in Dubai began at the JKS Karate Academy, where she honed her skills working with students from diverse backgrounds. Now, with her UAE Karate Federation Black 3 coaching license, she has elevated her career, joining an elite group of professionals shaping the future of karate in the UAE.
In her new role Dinusha aims to inspire athletes by sharing the wealth of experience she has accumulated over two decades of competition and coaching. “This appointment is not just a personal achievement; it’s an opportunity to guide and uplift others in the sport I love,” she said.
Dinusha is passionate about encouraging young athletes, especially women, to pursue their goals in karate. Her commitment goes beyond coaching techniques as she focuses on fostering discipline, resilience and confidence in her students.
An accomplished 3rd Dan Black Belt, Dinusha always had a deep-rooted passion for sports. According to her father, Chandrasoma Perera, Dinusha showed exceptional athletic abilities from a young age, often playing sports with her siblings, including her late brother, who tragically passed away 10 years ago.
Born as the fourth child in a family of five – four daughters and one son – her parents fondly recall how her innate fighting spirit set her apart. “She was a natural,” says her mother, Mallika Perera, adding that Dinusha excelled in all sports during her school years. Despite recognising her potential, they never imagined she would rise to her current heights.
Her father, who runs a lathe workshop, will share how the family made countless sacrifices to support her dreams amid financial hardships. Dinusha acknowledges these sacrifices with heartfelt gratitude, crediting her parents – especially her mother – for her success.
Dinusha’s latest appointment is backed by her remarkable career as an athlete. She is a seven-time National Sports Festival Kumite Champion (55kg) and has won numerous international medals, including gold at the 2011 South Asian Senior Karate Championship in New Delhi, gold at the 6th World Gojukai Karate Championship (2013)and silver at the 2019 South Asian Games in Kathmandu (50kg Kumite).
Her participation in prestigious global events like the 2016 World Karate Championships in Austria and the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta further solidifies her status as one of Sri Lanka’s most accomplished karatekas.
Dinusha’s ambitions extend far beyond her personal accomplishments. She envisions using her role to promote karate both in the UAE and back in Sri Lanka. “I hope to inspire the next generation of karatekas and improve the sport by sharing my expertise and experiences,” she says.
Dinusha now dreams of developing women’s karate in the UAE, leveraging her experience and connections with the Emirates Karate Federation. Yet, her heart remains tied to her homeland. She hopes to use her influence to enhance karate in Sri Lanka, a country where she left an indelible mark as a champion. Despite pursuing greener pastures, she harbours a lifelong dream of representing Sri Lanka at the 2028 Olympics.
As a Goodwill Ambassador for the Karate Foundation for Children, Dinusha inspires athletes globally. Her family continues to be a source of pride and strength. Her youngest sister, Chaturika, is a gymnast, reflecting a shared family spirit for sports.
Dinusha’s journey is not only a testament to her talent and determination but also to the unwavering support of her family, who nurtured her dreams despite overwhelming challenges. Today, she stands at the peak of her career, ready to shape the future of karate for both the UAE and Sri Lanka.
With her new role in Sharjah, Dinusha is poised to make a significant impact on the sport at both grassroots and professional level. Her story, from a young girl inspired by martial arts films to an internationally recognised coach, is a source of inspiration for athletes worldwide.
Through her dedication to the sport and her commitment to nurturing talent, Dinusha Kumari Perera is not just shaping the future of karate – she’s creating a legacy of excellence and empowerment.
She will have a heap of thanks reserved for the UAE Karate Federation especially its Captain Mohamed Abbas.
