Samadhi hogs limelight at John Tarbat Meet

V. P. N. Samadhi won the Under-18 Girls’ high jump

By Susil Premalal

Promising athlete V. P. N. Samadhi of Vijitha MMV, Dickwella shattered a 19-year-old record on the opening day of the 92nd Ritzbury Sir John Tarbat Schools Senior Athletic Championships, which commenced at the Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo.  
Samadhi produced an outstanding effort of 1.69m to win the Under-18 Girls’ high jump event while erasing the previous mark of 1.68m held by Lakruwani Peiris of Devi Balika MV, Colombo in 2005.  
Over 4,500 athletes are participating in this meet in three age group categories, conducted by the Sri Lanka Schools Athletic Association. The meet will conclude on October 3.
Meanwhile, M. G. T. Abhisheka of Wickramabahu National School, Gampola won first place in the Under-18 Girls’ 3,000m with a time of 10:18.8s.
K. M. S. Maduhansika of Nabadagaswewa MV, Sooriyawewa came second with a time of 10:40.9s while W. G. M. Dilrukshika of Rathnayaka MMV, Walala secured third place with a time of 10:42.9s.
Earlier, M. G. N. P. Kumari of Rathnayaka MMV, Walala took the opening event of the day – the Under-20 Girls’ 5,000m with a time of 18:40.5s.
In addition, S. Thudhiharashidan of Hindu College, Colombo won the Under-20 Boys’ 5,000m with a time of 16:06.3s. The meet will be continued today.