Aruna Can fully recover by first week of April – Dr. Dammika Senanayake
Injury to Sri Lanka’s top 400m runner Aruna Darshana has cast a shadow of doubt over his selection for the Asian Championship team. Darshana, who clocked a personal best of 45.78 seconds last year, won the Asian Junior Gold medal and set a championship record, becoming first SL athlete since 2005 to break the 46 seconds barrier.
But injury to his hamstring just a week before the trial has hampered his progress as he jogged through the heat in 48.80 seconds and not participate in the final under doctor’s advice. He has already submitted an appeal to the Athletics Association asking to be considered for selection, and said he could compete in a another trial or during the Army Volunteer Championship in the first week of April to show his capability: which will give him about two weeks to recover and run .
Dr. Dammika Senanayaka, who has specialized in Sports Medicine and is taking care of athletes in the Sports Medicine Unit under the Sports Ministry, stated that Aruna can fully recover by the first week of April.
“His injury is 70% recovered and decision not to compete in the finals was precaution , He will be fully recovered by April 1st , 2nd and will be fit to face for any other trial if given . I have been closely monitoring him and he will be 100% fit to take part in the Asian Championship in time which is still a month away ” said Dr. Dammika Senanayake .
Aruna been only active 400m runner in the still who had run below 46 seconds , that too twice in last year excluding the amazing relay lap in the Asian Games and there will be nothing if his inclusion would be automatic (subject to fitness ) for the Asian Championship .
