Sri Lanka’s Para athletic team recently made waves at the Marrakech World Para Athletic Grand Prix in Morocco, securing an impressive tally of seven medals, including two gold and three silvers. This outstanding achievement underscores the prowess and determination of the nation’s para athletes on the global stage.
The Sri Lankan contingent, comprising seven talented players, showcased remarkable performances throughout the event. Spearheading the success were Samitha Dulan in T44 Javelin throw and Janani Dhananjana in T47 100m, who clinched gold medals with stellar displays of athleticism. Dhananjana, a promising 18-year-old schoolgirl, further impressed by securing a silver medal in the T47 long jump event, showcasing her potential for future glory.
Adding to the medal haul were Pradeep Somasiri, who secured silver in the T46 1500m, and sprinter Anil Prasanna Jayalath, who claimed silver in the T42 event. Additionally, bronze medals were won by Buddhika Indrapala in the T42 100m and Kumudu Priyanka in the T46 long jump. Despite narrowly missing the podium, Saman Subasinghe’s fourth-place finish in the T47 400m demonstrated his competitive spirit and dedication.
Colonel Deepal Herath, President of the National Paralympic Committee (NPC), expressed pride in the team’s performance, highlighting the significance of the Marrakech Grand Prix as a key Paralympic qualification event. While celebrating the success, Herath emphasized the team’s ambition to secure more qualifications for the upcoming Paris Paralympics, buoyed by the stellar performances in Morocco.
Notably, Janani Dhananjana’s double medal feat, along with the impressive performances of Somasiri and Jayalath, signifies a new era of excellence in Sri Lanka’s para athletics. With Dinesh Priyantha Herath and Samitha Dulan already qualified for the Paralympics, Sri Lanka is poised to send a strong contingent to Paris, with the potential for further qualifications in the pipeline.
Looking ahead, the focus now shifts to the World Para Athletic Championship scheduled to take place in Kobe, Japan. The NPC plans to field a formidable team, including Dhananjana, Dulan, Nuwan Indika, and Palitha Babdara, in pursuit of additional Paralympic qualifications. This upcoming championship represents a crucial opportunity for Sri Lankan para athletes to cement their places on the world stage.
As the team prepares to return home, the nation eagerly awaits to celebrate their achievements. Welcome ceremonies organized by the NPC and Sri Lanka Army officials will honor the athletes for their outstanding performances, serving as a testament to their dedication, resilience, and unwavering spirit in overcoming adversity to achieve greatness on the international stage.
