The Sri Lankan bodybuilding team showcased exceptional talent at the 15th WBPF World Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Championships, held from November 5 to 11 in Addu City, Maldives. Competing against top international athletes, Sri Lanka’s delegation achieved significant placements across various categories, including a historic silver medal, affirming the country’s growing reputation in the world of physique sports.
Each athlete brought dedication and skill to their categories, and their collective success has sparked national pride and further inspired the local bodybuilding community.
Sri Lanka’s most notable victory came from Shanilka Perera, who earned a silver medal in the Men’s Athletic Physique (up to 175 cm) category.
Demonstrating remarkable form and discipline, Perera’s performance distinguished him as one of the top competitors, marking a milestone for Sri Lankan bodybuilding on the world stage. This silver win stands as a testament to his dedication, reflecting his aspirations to make his country proud and set an example for young athletes back home.
Adding to Sri Lanka’s success, Nisansala Madumali won a bronze medal in the Women’s Model Physique (over 170 cm) category. Her poise and finely tuned physique helped her secure a podium finish, further highlighting Sri Lankan talent in international bodybuilding competitions. Madumali also competed in the Women’s One-Piece Swimsuit (over 165 cm) category, where she narrowly missed the podium with a commendable fourth-place finish. Her achievements at the championships underscore her commitment to excellence and her dedication to inspiring others, particularly women, to pursue bodybuilding and fitness as a career path.
The Sri Lankan team saw several other standout performances. Madushi Amarasinghe placed fourth in the Women’s Sports Physique (over 165 cm) category, showcasing her determination and resilience. Amarasinghe’s journey has been marked by overcoming personal health challenges, and her performance in the Maldives is a reflection of her dedication to representing Sri Lanka with pride.
In the Men’s Senior Bodybuilding (up to 85 kg) category, veteran bodybuilder Nimal Wanniarachchi secured fourth place, adding to his long list of accolades. His commitment to the sport also earned him a silver medal in the Master Age 50-60, Weight Over 80 kg category – another historic win as Sri Lanka’s first-ever medal in this category at the World Championships. Wanniarachchi’s unique on-stage style and veteran status garnered widespread attention, amassing significant online support and more than 3.6 million views.
Harsha D. Peiris, the 2022 World Champion in the Men’s Sports Physique (up to 175 cm) category, demonstrated consistency by finishing fifth this year.
Though he did not reclaim the title, Peiris remained optimistic, viewing each competition as a learning experience and an opportunity to represent Sri Lanka on a global stage. In other categories, Udara Deshapriya and Hasini Hewage brought dedication to their events, each competing with resilience and gaining valuable experience. Meanwhile, Thenura Lakshen placed sixth in the highly competitive Men’s Athletic Physique (up to 180 cm) category, solidifying his position as a rising star in the sport.
The 2024 WBPF Championships were significant not only for the athletes but also for the officials who have contributed tirelessly to the sport’s development in Sri Lanka. The President of the Sri Lanka Bodybuilding and Physique Sports Federation (SLBPF), Jagath Samarasekara, received a prestigious appointment as the Secretary of the Technical Committee and a member of the Executive Council of the WBPF. His new roles underscore the federation’s dedication to establishing a strong international presence, highlighting Sri Lanka’s role in the global bodybuilding community.
Additionally, both Samarasekara and Janaka Samarasingha, the SLBPF Secretary General, were awarded the WBPF Gold Medal by WBPF President Datuk Paul Chua. This honour recognises their invaluable contributions to advancing bodybuilding and physique sports internationally, as well as their commitment to promoting unity and fitness among diverse communities.
The federation’s leadership remains focussed on fostering a supportive environment for athletes, enabling them to thrive on both national and international stages. Sri Lanka’s performances at the 15th WBPF World Championships have underscored the nation’s potential in bodybuilding. Athletes like Shanilka Perera and Nisansala Madumali have shown that Sri Lankan athletes can compete among the best in the world, motivating younger athletes to pursue the sport. SLBPF officials and coaches are hopeful that these achievements will drive further interest in bodybuilding across the nation.
“This championship is a milestone for Sri Lanka,” Samarasekara said. “Our athletes have proven that with the right support, Sri Lanka can excel on the world stage. I am proud of each athlete’s performance and grateful for the unity we share as we work toward bringing more success to Sri Lankan bodybuilding.”
The Sri Lankan delegation’s accomplishments at the WBPF Championships will continue to motivate new athletes to pursue bodybuilding, instilling confidence that with the right dedication and support, Sri Lanka can reach even greater heights in the world of physique sports.
Source : https://www.dailynews.lk/
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