Naveed Raheem of Killer Whale Aquatics (KWA), has qualified to represent Sri Lanka for the Paris Paralympics in the men’s 400m freestyle S9 category. This achievement marks the first time in two decades that a Sri Lankan para swimmer has qualified for the Paralympics since Chaminda Priyadarshana competed in 100m and 400m freestyle S9 events in the 2004 Athens Paralympics.
Raheem secured his qualification by advancing his world ranking from 26th to 16th place, clocking an impressive 4:37.63 in the 400m freestyle S9 event. He earned 781 WPS points (World Para Swimming) at the City Para World Series held in Singapore last month.
The 19-year-old swimmer received a Bipartite Commission Invitation from World Para Swimming and the International Paralympic Committee based on his current world ranking, WPS points, and past performances.
“I am thrilled and proud to represent Sri Lanka at the Paralympic Games. I am grateful to my coaches, Head Coach Manoj Abeysinghe, Strength and Conditioning Coach Matthew Abeysinghe, and all the staff and members of KWA. I also thank my past coaches who helped me reach this level.
SAJEEWA JAYAKODY
