In a rare occurrence two officials were chopped down from making it to South Korea as Sri Lanka dispatched a team of junior athletes comprising four boys and four girls to participate at the Asian Junior Championship that starts today.
Sports officials in Sri Lanka have enjoyed an unprecedented run of joy rides to exotic destinations in recent times despite very few achievements by athletes.
Approval for the team by the Sports Ministry came at the eleventh hour and the contingent left on Tuesday (30) night.
Among the male athletes, TOV Ariyawansa will do the 400 metres hurdles, Malith Yasiru the triple jump, SHS Dilranga the 800m and 1500m and MJ Wijesinghe the 100 metres.
Among the female athletes, Tharushi Karunaratne will compete in the 400 and 800 metres, MSJ Uththara the 400 metres, Ranindi Gamage the high jump and Dinara Dela Bandara the 100 metres.
As there have been many junior athletes who have done well and won medals at international meets there is hope that these athletes too will perform with determination and win as many medals as possible.
Athletes: (Boys): TOV Ariyawansa, Malith Yasiru, SHS Dilranga, MJ Wijesinghe
(Girls): Tharushi Karunaratne, MSJ Uththara, Ranindi Gamage and Dinara Dela Bandara
Officials:
MAS Fernando (manager cum coach), DHJ Kumara (coach), DIN Ranaweera (Lady chaperon/coach)