Javelin thrower Dilhani Lekamge won the gold medal in the Javelin Throw with a performance of 55.77 metres on the second day of the 102nd National Athletic Championship at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium, Diyagama, yesterday.
A senior official from Sri Lanka Athletics said that Dilhani’s performance will significantly improve her position in the 2024 Paris Olympic qualification rankings. She scored 1100 points for her throw, increasing her average score to 1157.6 points. Currently ranked 30th on the Olympic ranking list, where the top 32 athletes qualify, Dilhani’s outstanding performance will move her up to 23rd, making her the highest-ranked Sri Lankan athlete and boosting her chances of securing an Olympic berth.
In the 400m final, Aruna Dharshana won with a time of 45.51 seconds, followed by Kalinga Kumarage in second place with 46.38 seconds, and Dinuka Deshan in third with 46.50 seconds. Nadeesha Ramanayake won the women’s 400m with a time of 53.37 seconds.
Yupun pulls out of 100m
Meanwhile, Yupun Abeykoon, a key contender in the 100m, pulled out of the semi-final due to a leg injury, which could affect his Olympic aspirations.
Dhammika Ratnaweera
