Sri Lanka’s para athletes showcased their prowess on the international stage yet again, bringing home an impressive haul of five medals, including two golds and two silvers, from the esteemed World Para Athletic Grand Prix held in Morocco.
Janani Dhananjana and Samitha Dulan emerged as the golden stars of the event, clinching gold medals for their remarkable performances. Dhananjana’s feat in the 100m T-47 event, where she blazed through the finish line in 13.75 seconds, not only secured her the top spot on the podium but also positioned her favorably for Paralympic qualifications, as highlighted by National Paralympic Committee (NPC) President Colonel Deepal Herath. Dulan, a bronze medalist at the Tokyo Paralympics, once again showcased his prowess by seizing the gold in the T-44 Javelin Throw with an exceptional throw of 65.53m, setting a new personal best. His stellar performance not only reaffirmed his qualification for the upcoming Paris Paralympics but also underscored his potential as a formidable contender in the global arena.
Adding to Sri Lanka’s medal tally were Anil Jayalath and Pradeep Somasiri, who clinched silver medals in their respective events. Jayalath’s impressive sprint in the T-42 100m event saw him finish second, clocking in at 12.84 seconds, while Somasiri’s stellar run in the T-46 1500m event resulted in a silver medal, with a commendable timing of 4 minutes and 04.23 seconds, marking a personal best for him.
The significance of this Grand Prix extended beyond mere accolades, emphasized NPC President Colonel Deepal Herath, noting its pivotal role in securing Paralympic qualifications for the athletes. With Dulan already having secured his ticket to Paris, the focus was on providing additional exposure and opportunities for other para athletes aiming to qualify. With standout performances from Jayalath, Somasiri, and Dhananjana, hopes are high for their successful qualification for the upcoming Paralympics, thus further bolstering Sri Lanka’s representation on the global stage.
Dinesh Priyantha Herath and Samitha Dulan, two seasoned Paralympic medalists, had previously secured their berths for the Paris Paralympics. With the latest achievements at the Grand Prix, the total count of qualified Sri Lankan para athletes stands at five, with aspirations for more to join their ranks. Looking ahead, the focus shifts to not only increasing the number of qualifiers but also ensuring their preparedness for the upcoming Paralympics, with the ultimate goal of showcasing Sri Lanka’s talent and determination on the world stage.
As Sri Lanka celebrates this remarkable achievement, attention now turns to the next chapter in the journey of these inspiring para athletes – the Paris Paralympics and beyond. With their unwavering commitment and dedication, they continue to defy expectations, inspiring a nation and leaving an indelible mark on the world of para athletics.
