Wrestler Nethmi to vie at Olympic Qualifier

By Susil Premalal  

Sri Lanka’s foremost wrestler Nethmi Ahinsa Fernando and her coach left for Croatia yesterday to compete at the first Olympic Qualifier for the year 2024.   

All arrangements for their participation at this event were finalised under the directions of Sports Minister Harin Fernando. Nethmi is the only medallist at the Asian or Commonwealth Games wrestling at present.  

The 18-year prodigy from the Puttalam District in the North Western Province secured the Bronze Medal at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games.  

The Director General of Sports, Professor (Rear Admiral) Shemal Fernando firmly believes that Nethmi, currently, 36th in World Rankings, will earn her qualification soon to compete at the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games scheduled to commence on July 26 2024.  

The total cost involving the Visa fees, air tickets and accommodation in Croatia amounting to Rs. 1.8m were paid by the Department of Sports under the innovative programme, ‘Road to Olympics.’