Sri Lanka has officially set its sights on the shores of Sanya as the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka unveiled its national contingent for the Asian Beach Games at a vibrant media briefing in Colombo. The announcement signals the country’s formal entry into one of Asia’s most dynamic multi-sport events, where sand and sea form the arena for elite competition.

Scheduled to unfold from 22 to 30 April 2026 in Sanya, the Games will gather athletes from across the continent in a celebration of coastal sport and culture. With its tropical setting and growing reputation as a global beach sports destination, Sanya is expected to provide a fitting stage for both competition and camaraderie, beginning with the Opening Ceremony on 22 April and concluding on 30 April.

Sri Lanka’s presence at the Games will be marked by a 109-member delegation, featuring 77 athletes 40 men and 37 women competing across eight disciplines. Beyond the athletes, a dedicated support system of coaches, officials, and medical staff will ensure the team is equipped to perform at its best throughout the event.

The nation will compete in a diverse mix of sports that reflect both endurance and agility, including beach athletics, beach kabaddi, beach handball, beach volleyball, 3×3 basketball, open water swimming, beach wrestling, and sailing. This broad representation highlights Sri Lanka’s growing versatility in beach and water-based sports on the continental stage.

In a message shared in conjunction with the unveiling, Suresh Subramaniam, President of the National Olympic Committee, expressed strong confidence in the squad. He emphasized that the journey to Sanya represents more than just participation, describing it as a moment defined by unity, preparation, and national pride. He praised the athletes’ commitment and reaffirmed the country’s support as they prepare to compete with determination.

The event also introduced the team’s Chef de Mission, Samith Thilina, whose multifaceted background spans sports management, disaster risk reduction, and creative design. His role carries an additional layer of distinction, having personally designed the official team attire for the Games. Drawing inspiration from the Black Ruby Barb, the designs incorporate fluid oceanic elements that reflect Sri Lanka’s island identity, blending symbolism with a modern athletic aesthetic.

The unveiling of the official attire and Opening Ceremony outfits added a visual highlight to the occasion, reinforcing the team’s identity as they prepare to step onto an international stage.

Carrying the national flag at the Opening Ceremony will be Lakshika Sugandhi and Haren Dineth Wickramatillake. Sugandhi is set to compete in the women’s 60m and 4x60m events in beach athletics, while Wickramatillake will represent Sri Lanka in sailing under the Optimist Boys category, symbolizing both experience and emerging talent within the squad.

Sri Lanka’s men’s 4x400m relay team has earned a place at the upcoming World Athletics Relays, set to be held in Gaborone, Botswana on May 2 and 3. The qualification comes after a strong showing at the Invitational Relay Championship in Chandigarh, India, where the team delivered an impressive performance.

Clocking a time of 3:02.16, the Sri Lankan quartet ranked among the top teams globally, marking the second-fastest 4x400m relay time in the nation’s history. The team featured Aruna Darshana, Pasindu Kodikara, Kalhara Indupa, and Sadew Rajakaruna, whose combined effort highlights the country’s growing strength in track and field.

This achievement not only secures Sri Lanka’s participation at the prestigious World Relays but also places them in contention for a major milestone. The top 12 teams at the event will qualify directly for the World Athletics Championships 2027 in their respective relay categories, adding further significance to the competition.

Men’s 4x400m Relay Qualified Teams

Botswana, South Africa, Belgium, Qatar, Great Britain & Northern Ireland, Jamaica, Netherlands, France, Kenya, Portugal, Australia, Japan, Zimbabwe, China, Brazil, India, Hungary, Spain, Poland, Sri Lanka, Senegal, Germany, Nigeria, Thailand

Note- (USA has withdrawn from the event)

The Sri Lankan athletics team wrapped up a remarkable campaign at the Thailand Open Athletics Championship 2025, securing an impressive 11 medals, including 6 golds, during the competition held from June 21 to 25 in Bangkok.

The Sri Lankan squad, made up of eight athletes—four men and four women—delivered standout performances across track and field events, making the nation proud on the international stage.

Leading the charge was Rusiru Chathuranga, who clinched double gold in the Men’s 800m and 1500m events. Vicknaraj Vakshan added to the tally with a gold in the 5000m and a silver in the 1500m, while W.K.L.A. Nimali matched that feat by claiming gold in the Women’s 800m and silver in the 1500m.

Madushani Herath showed her dominance in the field events, capturing gold in both the long jump and triple jump. Ayomal Akalanka earned silver in the Men’s 400m hurdles, and Wathsala Hapuarachchi took silver in the Women’s 100m hurdles. Safreen Ahmed contributed a bronze medal in the Men’s triple jump.

While seven out of eight athletes reached the podium, Amasha de Silva narrowly missed out, finishing fourth in the Women’s 100m final, showcasing a commendable performance.

The full team is expected to return to Sri Lanka today after a tour that highlights the depth of talent in local athletics and signals strong potential ahead of upcoming regional events