Sri Lanka clinches first medals at Asian Beach Games 2026

Sri Lanka celebrated its first podium finishes at the Asian Beach Games 2026 as athletes Ishara Samanmali and Shashikala Lankathilaka delivered standout performances in the women’s long jump event.

Samanmali secured the silver medal with an impressive leap of 5.87 metres, while Lankathilaka followed closely behind, earning bronze with a jump of 5.83 metres. Their achievements mark Sri Lanka’s first medal success at the ongoing Games.

The gold medal in the event was claimed by Thuy Hang of Vietnam, who recorded the longest jump of 6.16 metres.

The Asian Beach Games 2026, taking place from April 22 to 30 in Sanya, is organised under the guidance of the Olympic Council of Asia. It stands as the first major multi-sport competition in Asia for 2026.

Sri Lanka has fielded a strong 77-member contingent competing across eight sporting disciplines at the Games. The team is participating under the supervision of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka.

The early success is expected to boost morale within the Sri Lankan camp as the competition continues over the coming days.