Sri Lanka is set to make impact at the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2025 in Nanjing, China, with a talented squad of 12 athletes competing across multiple disciplines. The competition, scheduled from March 21 to 23, will be a crucial platform for Sri Lankan athletes to gain international exposure and improve their world rankings.

Sri Lanka’s Participation in Nanjing

The Sri Lankan contingent includes top sprinters, hurdlers, and relay teams, with Kalinga Kumarage leading the squad as captain.

Men’s Events:

• Chamod Yodhasinghe – 60m
• Nadun K. Bandara – 60m Hurdles
• Kalinga Kumarage – 400m, 4×400m
• Randima Madushan – 4×400m
• Sadew Rajakaruna – 4×400m
• Omel S. Silva – 4×400m
• R.P. Isuru Lakshan – 4×400m

Women’s Events:

• Nadesha Ramanayake – 4×400m
• L. Sayuri Mendis – 4×400m
• Nishendra de Silva – 4×400m
• Jayeshi Uththara – 4×400m
• Jithma Wijethunga – 4×400m

Coach/Manager: Sanjeewa Weerakkody

Key Objectives for Sri Lanka

The main goal for Sri Lanka at the Nanjing 2025 Championships is to improve their ranking in the 4×400m relay and secure a spot at the World Athletics Relays in Guangzhou. The men’s 4×400m team currently holds the 31st position in the “Road to Guangzhou” rankings, thanks to their gold medal-winning 3:04.48 finish at the Asian Relays 2024.

However, with other nations competing in upcoming events, Sri Lanka must maintain or improve their position within the top 32 to qualify for the World Relays in May.

Event Schedule for Sri Lankan Athletes

Sri Lankan sprinters and relay teams will compete across three days in Nanjing. Key events to watch include:

• 60m & 400m Heats (Day 1)
• 60m & 400m Semi-Finals (Day 2)
• 4×400m Relay Finals (Day 3)

With Olympian Aruna Dharshana unavailable, the 4×400m men’s relay team will look to Kalinga Kumarage, Randima Madushan, Sadew Rajakaruna, and Omel S. Silva to lead the charge.

A Chance to Make History

The Sri Lankan squad will aim to not only qualify for the World Relays but also set new national records. Their performance in Nanjing will be a stepping stone toward the 2025 World Championships and future global events.

Stay tuned for updates as Sri Lanka competes at the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2025!

Colombo: In a historic achievement for Sri Lankan athletics, three national athletes have officially qualified for the World Athletics Indoor Championships 2025, set to take place from May 21 to 23 in Nanjing, China. This marks Sri Lanka’s largest representation at the prestigious event in over two decades.

Sri Lankan Athletes Heading to Nanjing 2025

The three Sri Lankan athletes who secured their spots based on performances and world rankings are:

• Chamod Yodasinghe – 60m Sprint
• Kalinga Kumarage – 400m
• Kaveesha Bandara – 60m Hurdles

Their qualification comes after impressive performances at the inaugural National Short Course Championship, highlighting Sri Lanka’s growing potential in indoor athletics.

A Historic Moment for Sri Lanka

The last time Sri Lanka sent a team to the World Athletics Indoor Championships was in 2001 (Lisbon), where four athletes represented the nation. This latest qualification marks the largest contingent in over 20 years, showcasing significant progress despite limited indoor competition opportunities in Sri Lanka.

With preparations underway, these athletes will aim to make an impact on the global stage and elevate Sri Lanka’s presence in international athletics.

Stay tuned for more updates on Sri Lanka’s journey to Nanjing 2025!

Former Olympian and Asian Games gold medalist Damayanthi Darsha has called for urgent reforms in Sri Lanka’s sports associations, which have long been plagued by allegations of corruption and financial mismanagement. With the recent political shift in the country, Darsha emphasized the need for immediate action to address these issues.

For years, nearly all sports associations in Sri Lanka have faced widespread criticism for misconduct and mismanagement. The National Olympic Committee (NOC) recently came under intense scrutiny for corruption allegations, prompting intervention from the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Many top officials in national sports associations have remained in power for over a decade, often leveraging their experience as a justification to retain their positions. However, Darsha highlighted how these officials have manipulated constitutions to entrench themselves in power, making it difficult for fresh talent to take over. While the Sri Lankan public voted for new leadership in the general elections, the same has not been reflected in sports association elections.

“Immediate action must be taken against the allegations surrounding Sri Lanka’s sports associations,” Darsha stated following the recent election results.

She further explained, “These associations and their officials have altered constitutions to benefit themselves, securing positions for extended periods and reappointing allies. This has tarnished the reputation of sports in the country. It is essential to amend the sports law to ensure accountability and appoint officials dedicated to serving the interests of the nation and sports.”

Darsha remains a celebrated figure in Sri Lanka’s athletics history, holding the national record in the 400m with a time of 51.05 seconds. She has won three Asian Games gold medals and four Asian Championship gold medals. Darsha also expressed her support for her former teammate, Sugath Thilakarathne, who was recently elected as a Member of Parliament.

On a related note, Sunil Kumara Gamage assumed duties as Sri Lanka’s new Sports Minister on Tuesday (19). Gamage pledged to prioritize the fight against corruption, emphasizing his commitment to implementing a well-structured plan to address these issues.

“Our government stands firmly against corruption, and I am ready to take decisive action,” Gamage declared during his inaugural address.

The call for reforms from both Darsha and Gamage signals a critical moment for Sri Lanka’s sports associations to address longstanding issues and restore public trust.