BY SANDHYA DISSANAYAKE, ATTORNEY-AT-LAW
Image Courtesy: Media Unit, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Sri Lanka’s youth athletics team received a warm and emotional welcome upon their return to the island after delivering one of the nation’s finest performances at the 2026 Asian U20 Athletics Championship in Hong Kong.
The talented young contingent arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, at 6:10 a.m. on flight UL 885 after securing an impressive eight medals—including two gold, two silver and four bronze medals—while finishing eighth overall in the championship medal standings ahead of several strong Asian nations.
Acting on the instructions of Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage, a delegation of senior officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports was present at the airport to officially welcome the victorious athletes and celebrate their outstanding achievements.
Representing the Minister at the reception were Private Secretary Darshana Waragoda, Director of Development M.A.B. Dilum Dayaratne, Assistant Sports Director W.G.M. Thushara, and several other ministry officials who congratulated the athletes for bringing international recognition to Sri Lanka.
The welcome ceremony was also attended by Sri Lanka Athletics President Bimal Wijayasinghe, while parents, family members, coaches and well-wishers gathered in large numbers to greet the young stars upon their arrival.
Sri Lanka’s Medal Winners
🥇 Gold Medals
- Tarushi Abhisheka – Women’s 1500m (4:31.41)
- Ransini Perera – Women’s 200m (24.07s)
🥈 Silver Medals
- Tarusha Mendis – Men’s High Jump (2.14m)
- Nethsara Dineth – Men’s 800m (1:49.22)
🥉 Bronze Medals
- Sadeve Raja Karuna – Men’s 200m (21.13s)
- Mihinsa Abeyratne – Women’s High Jump (1.72m)
- Tarushi Abhisheka – Women’s 800m (2:07.97)
- Sri Lanka Mixed 4×400m Relay Team
The remarkable performance at the Asian U20 Athletics Championship represents a significant milestone for Sri Lankan athletics and highlights the immense potential of the country’s next generation of track and field stars.
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports extended its appreciation to the athletes, their coaches, support staff and parents for their dedication and commitment, expressing confidence that these young talents will continue to elevate Sri Lanka’s reputation on the international sporting stage.
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