Road to Paralympics 2024: Indika targets new heights at Paris Games

By Susil Premalal

Asian Para Games record-holder and Gold Medallist Nuwan Indika is determined to make a lasting impact at the 2024 Paris Paralympics Games from August 28 to September 8 in France. 

The rural athlete from Hambantota will compete in the Men’s T-44 100m event, having secured the gold medal at the 2022 Asian Para Games in China. 

The Sri Lankan Paralympics Squad, approved by the National Paralympics Committee of Sri Lanka, includes six athletes, one swimmer and one wheelchair tennis player.

Indika has plenty of international experience and came into the limelight by winning two silver medals at the Indonesia Para Games in 2018.

Indika hails from Barawakumbura in Hambantota and received his education at the Wetiya Dharmapala National School. During his school days, Indika was passionate about volleyball and participated in regional and district competitions.

However, due to increasing financial difficulties at home, Indika had to cut his education short and join the Army.

On March 11, 2009, a mortar attack in the Puthukkudiyiruppu Logon left him severely injured. At the age of 25, Indika faced the heartbreaking reality of spending the best years of his life in a wheelchair, relying on crutches.

Despite this setback, Indika’s spirit remained unbroken. After watching sports competitions for disabled athletes online, he found inspiration and resolved to move forward, refusing to be a burden on society.

Indika’s achievements on the international stage include a silver medal in long jump at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Indonesia and two silver medals in the 100m and long jump at the 2021 Open Para Championships in India.

In addition, he won gold with a record performance in the 100m and won silver in the long jump at the 2022 Asian Para Games in China, as well as bronze in the 100m at the 2024 World Para Championship.

Indika is now focused on winning a medal for his country at the 2024 Paralympic Games.