Vidusha dedicates her Bronze medal for all who affected in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka was going through a horrific time and the Sri Lanka camp at the 23rd Asian Athletics Championship 2019 here in Khalifa Stadium in Doha was no different as the team lost several of their targeted medals in heartbreaking fashion until Vidusha rose to the occasion to provide some joy and consolation.

Vidusha is a resident of Katana in the Negombo area, where one of the deadliest terrorist attacks happened on Easter Sunday. She leapt her seasonal best 13.53m in the women’s triple jump to win the Bronze Medal, which Vidusha hopes will bring a moment of consolation for the grieving nation.

“I was very sad and shocked before coming into the event and that’s why I wore a black armband. I hope I have now done something which could bring a moment of joy to all Sri Lankans. I dedicated this medal for the grieving nation,” said Vidusha with mixed emotions after the event.

Vidusha who now trains under Cuban coach Luis Miranda, only leapt 13.26m during the selection trials and could not achieve the given qualifying standard, yet AASL decided to send her to the competition which has now turned fruitful. The 23-year-old former Asian Junior Bronze Medallist leapt 13.46m in her third attempt and 13.53m in her fourth, by which time she knew she was within medal range and could not wait for the competition to end to celebrate.

“I felt that was enough. I didn’t expect that and neither did anyone else. I just came eyeing for a seasonal best, and it’s been a long time since I performed well at an international meet.  I have been mentally down since I could not perform decently during recent meets,” said Vidusha.

Vidusha, who is also a soldier in the Sri Lanka Army, had lost some friends and her teachers due to the Easter Sunday attack and the young girl had a message for everyone following her medal.

“We competed together under one flag. We should get together and save our small nation from these terrorists. Hundreds of people died including small children who don’t understand anything. It’s time for us to be united,” said Vidusha.

Vidusha hailing from Newstead Girl’s College Negombo excelled in the triple jump from a young age. Under the guidance of Coach Philip Ranjith, Vidusha won an Asian Junior Silver Medal in 2014 and South Asian Games Silver Medal in 2016. She also holds the Sri Lanka record of 13.64m in the event, and is now training under Cuban specialist jumping coach Luis Miranda since the end of 2017.

The Gold medal was won by Thailand’s Parinya Chuaimaroeng with a leap of 13.72m, while Rui Zeng of China won Silver with a leap of 13.65m.
Nilani’s unfortunate fall 3000m Steeple Chase runner Nilani Rathnayaka faced an unfortunate incident and lost a possible Silver Medal. Nilani was well on course for the Silver Medal but had an unfortunate fall after clearing the last hurdle and ended in fourth place, causing much heartbreak.

Meanwhile Nilani Rathnayaka faced a unfortunate incident  as the 3000M Steeple Chase runner who was on course for a silver medal fall on the last hurdle . She got up and finished the race for the fourth position . but was in full of tears afterwards .

Day 2 Results 
Bronze Medal- Vidusha Lakshani 13.53M

3000M Steeple Chase :- Nilani Rathnayaka 4th (9:58.55 sec- Fell down on the last hurdle after been in the silver medal position )