Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA) has announced the National Open Stage II athletics competition as a special trial for the Olympic Games. This event, scheduled for June 30th at the Sugathadasa Stadium, has been upgraded to a World Athletics Category ‘E’ competition and included in the WA Global Calendar.

The focus is on key athletes: Yupun Abeykoon (100m), Kalinga Kumarage (400m), Aruna Dharshana (400m), Tharushi Karunaratne (400m and 800m), Gayanthika Abeyratne (1500m), and Nadeeka Dilhani Lekamge (Javelin Throw). These athletes are on the road to the Olympics and will compete at the 102nd National Championships from June 25-27. Finalists in these events will be included in the special trial.

During the meet in Sweden, Yupun Abeykoon won the race with a time of 10.22 seconds but struggled to reach the Olympic Qualifying Standard of 10.00 seconds. In a subsequent final, he sustained an injury and finished last. Abeykoon’s injury report, expected yesterday, will determine his availability for the National Championships. He had planned to compete in the National Championships, but this injury casts uncertainty over his participation. A senior SLA official stated that if Abeykoon cannot participate in the National event, his chances for the Olympics will be doubtful.

The SLA is hopeful that all elite Sri Lankan athletes are keen to participate in the Nationals and the special trial to achieve their 2024 Olympic dream. These events offer a chance to improve their current timings and accumulate points.

The promising athlete from Walala Central, Tharushi Karunaratne, who missed several foreign meets due to illness, has made a strong comeback by winning gold in both the 400m and 800m at the Taiwan Athletic Championship. Gayanthika Abeyratne secured silver in the 1500m at the same meet. Anura Dharshana, a 400m athlete, is in excellent form, having won events in both China and Taiwan, while Kalinga Kumarage is also performing impressively in the 400m.

Javelin thrower Nadeeka Dilhani Lekamge’s prospects are very promising after winning silver at the Taiwan meet. The upcoming National Championships and the special trial meet will be crucial for her Olympic qualification. Her coach, Pradeep Nishantha, mentioned that she has a few more competitions, and points from the National Championships will significantly boost her Olympic chances.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Athletics (WA) have set June 30 as the deadline for qualification events in athletics ahead of the Summer Games this July.

Dhammika Ratnaweera