Dilshi continues her record-breaking streak
Dilshi Kumarasinghe, Sri Lanka’s Star at the 2019 South Asian Games, made a memorable comeback following the COVID-19 pandemic enforced hiatus with a record breaking 800m run at the 98th National Athletics Championship, continued at the Sugathadasa Stadium, Colombo .
The 21-year-old hailing from A.Rathnayaka CC Walala became an overnight star in December 2019 after her triple Gold medal winning performance at the SAG, but then had to stay without competition for a year. When she got the chance to compete at National Level, she ran the best 800m of her life beating Sri Lanka record holder Gayanthika Abeyrathne and 2019 National Champion Nimali Liyanarachchi in the process, while clocking a personal best of 02 minutes 02.80 seconds.
She missed out on the Sri Lanka record of 02:02.55 by 0.25 seconds, though she shattered the Meet Record of 02:04.2 seconds set by Nimali last year.
“I was a bit worried about running a direct final without a heat, but very happy about the time. I will go for the National record at the next opportunity,” said Dilshi after the event.
In the Men’s 800m, SAG Gold medalist Indunil Herath was beaten by former National Champion Rusiru Chathuranga who clocked 1 minute 49.82 seconds to win the event.
Earlier, R.M.S.Pushpakumara was beaten in the 3,000m steeple chase by Eranda Herath, while Nilani Rathnayaka gave up the 5,000m race midway which was won by Lanka Ariyadasa.
Women’s Discus Throw event was won by Ishara Madurangi with a throw of 38.69m.
In the high hurdles, former Gateway College hurdler Ireshani Rajasinghe won the National title clocking a personal best of 13.85 seconds. She beat SAG Gold medallist Lakshika Sugandhi (13.89 sec) to second place. Ireshani had high hopes about winning the SAG Gold medal last year, but for an unfortunate mishap at the start and had to settle for the Bronze medal. She slowed down after the start thinking she heard two shots, but later realized that all her competitors were already clearing the first hurdle, leaving her to do a lot of catching up.
The Men’s 110m hurdle final saw heat winner Salinda Randeewa falling down at the half way mark. The event was won by SAG Bronze medalist Roshan Dammika Ranathunga with a time of 14.33 seconds.
Lakshini Dissanayaka won the heptathlon event with 3526 points in the absence of SL record holder Sugandhi, who opted to run the 100m and 100m hurdle events during this year’s Nationals.
