Lankan athletes geared to face challenges

Bernard Perera in Bangkok

ATHLETICS: The Sri Lankan athletes who arrived on Sunday were seen undergoing a training session on Monday Morning at the National Stadium here in Bangkok.

Soon after the training session the manager of the Sri Lankan contingent K.G. Badra said the athletes were in good shape to face the challenges posed by athletes from other participating countries.

Susanthika Jayasinghe the star woman athlete said she hopes to record a better timing. "I have been out of the track for some time and need to perform well here. The main intention for me is to record a very impressive time so that I could have things easy for the other two events that are to be worked off in India next week," Susanthika said.

It was also revealed by Badra that she tried her level best to get Asoka Jayasundara to compete in the 400 m event. But the host Country's inclusion of two athletes did not allow room for him. Jayasundara will compete only in the 4x400m relay, she said.

According to organisers here the three top ranking relay teams who were billed to compete have withdrawn due to various reasons. The countries that have withdrawn from the competition are India, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

When questioned an Indian official said that the Indian relay quartet is undergoing training in South Africa. They will be back in India before the next two events and will definitely be competing. They are being sent to South Africa as they hope to have a fully fledged team ready for the next few seasons.

Manjula Kumara will be the first athlete to compete in his pet event - the high jump at 2.30p.m. (SL time 2.00 p.m.) Meanwhile Prasanna will compete at 3.00 p.m. in the 400m while Susanthika is billed to appear on the track at 3.55 p.m. for the 100m.

The final of the 4x400m relay, also the final event for the day, will be at 5.45 p.m. (SL time 4.20 p.m.) The men's 4x400 relay will see only three teams in competition with three teams pulling out. This will give an opportunity for the Lankans to 'go for gold' in this event.