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!

Sri Lanka is set to host India, the Philippines, and the Maldives in the upcoming Relay Championships, organized by the Sri Lanka Schools Athletics Association. This event aims to provide the Sri Lankan men’s 4×400m relay team with an opportunity to maintain their qualification ranking for the World Relays in Guangzhou, China, this May.

Currently ranked 31st in the “Road to Guangzhou” standings, the Sri Lankan relay team secured their position with a gold medal finish at the Asian Relays last year, clocking 3:04.48. However, with multiple international events on the horizon, Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA) is taking proactive steps to ensure the team remains within the top 32 required for qualification.

The absence of Olympian Aruna Dharshana, the nation’s fastest 400m runner, at the World Indoor Championships in China will be a challenge. Dharshana is currently training and competing in Australia, aiming to qualify for the World Championships in the individual 400m event, which has a direct qualifying standard of 44.85 seconds.

For the upcoming relay event in April, Sri Lanka Athletics has selected Aruna Dharshana, Kalinga Kumarage, S.B.R. Madushan, and Sadew Rajakaruna to represent the country.

(Source: Island.lk)

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!