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A proud and inspiring chapter in Sri Lanka’s sporting journey unfolded as a special felicitation ceremony was held at the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Sri Lanka to honour the nation’s medal winners from the Asian Beach Games 2026.
The ceremony celebrated the remarkable achievements of Sri Lankan athletes who secured a total of seven medals at the Games held in Sanya, propelling the country to an impressive 10th place among 45 competing Asian nations.
The event was presided over by Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage, with the حضور of Deputy Minister Sugath Thilakaratne and the newly appointed President of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, Asanga Seneviratne.
Celebrating Sri Lanka’s Medal Heroes
Sri Lanka’s success story at the Games was headlined by a historic gold medal performance by Nipuni Wasana, who triumphed in the women’s 50kg beach wrestling event—marking a significant milestone for the nation in this discipline.
Adding to the glory were silver medalists Ishara Samanmali in the women’s long jump and the Sri Lankan women’s kabaddi team, both of whom delivered outstanding performances against strong regional competition.
The bronze medal tally further highlighted the depth of Sri Lanka’s talent. Jayathra Sampath and Sashikala Lankathilaka secured podium finishes in the men’s and women’s long jump events respectively, while the men’s 4x60m relay team and the men’s kabaddi team also contributed to the medal haul.
A Step Forward for “Mission Olympic”
Addressing the gathering, Minister Gamage emphasized that these victories—especially the gold medal achievement—signal meaningful progress under the government’s “Mission Olympic” initiative, aimed at strengthening Sri Lanka’s presence on the global sporting stage.
Deputy Minister Thilakaratne echoed this sentiment, reaffirming the Ministry’s commitment to nurturing athletic talent through structured development programs, enhanced training facilities, and professional-level support systems. He highlighted that such investments are crucial in guiding Sri Lankan athletes toward future Olympic success.
Building Momentum for the Future
The presence of NOCSL President Asanga Seneviratne underscored the collaborative effort between national sports bodies and the government in driving athlete development. The ceremony not only recognized past achievements but also set the tone for a more ambitious and structured approach to international competition.
As Sri Lanka celebrates these victories, the achievements in Sanya stand as a testament to the dedication, resilience, and potential of its athletes—offering renewed hope and momentum for the nation’s sporting future on the world stage.
