Sri Lanka to send seven athletes for Asian Youth (U-18) meet

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By Susil Premalal

Sri Lanka Athletic (SLA) has received the approval of Sports Minister Roshan Ranasinghe to send a youth athletic team consisting of seven athletes for the 5th Asian Youth (U-18) Athletic Championship 2023.

Conducted by the Asian Athletic Association (AAA), this meet is scheduled to be held from April 27–30 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. According to the AAA and the Uzbekistan Athletic Association, nearly 1,000 athletes from 30 Asian countries are expected to compete in this tournament.

The Sri Lanka Youth Athletic Team proposed for the tour will consist of five boys, two girls, and three officials, said SLA Acting Secretary Palitha Jayathilaka.
The Sri Lanka Youth Athletics team is scheduled to leave for Tashkent via Dubai on April 24.

In the history of Asian Youth (U-18) athletics, Sri Lanka has won 14 medals from 2015 to 2022, comprising one gold, nine silver, and four bronze. SLA is hopeful that several Sri Lankan athletes have the potential to win medals. 

• Conducted by the Asian Athletic Association (AAA), this meet is scheduled to be held from April 27–30 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan

Sri Lanka Youth Athletic squad: 

Boys: Nilupul Thenuja (High Jump), G.L. Arthavidu (High Jump), Ayomal Akalanka (400m Hurdle), Malindarathne Silva (Pole Vault) and Jathya Kirulu (400m)
Girls: Nirmali Wickramasinghe (800m) and Dulanjana Predeepani (1500m)

Officials: Chandana Ekanayaka (Team Leader), Buddika Madusanka (Coach) and Poornima Weerakoon (Lady Chaperone)