The 2024 Paris Olympic Games are rapidly approaching, and Sri Lanka's best athletes are determined to add to the nation's Olympic medal count. Since its first appearance in 1948, Sri Lanka has won two silver medals in track and field events, but the desire to stand on the podium and make history remains intense among the country's athletes.
Olympic qualifications can occur through three routes: Direct Qualification by entry standards, selection based on the next best World Rankings, and Wild Cards (only for 100m and 800m events in Athletics). If an athlete cannot qualify by meeting the entry standard, their World Rank is considered based on their best five results within the past year.
Athletics
Yupun Abeykoon, Sri Lanka's fastest man, has a season-best of 10.15s in the 100m. However, the Olympic qualifying standard is a strict 10.00s. Yupun will need to shave off nearly two-tenths of a second to secure his spot in Paris. Chamod Yodasingha, another hopeful, faces a similar hurdle.
For the first time, four Sri Lankan athletes have dipped under 21 seconds in the 200m! This achievement, with only eight others achieving it throughout Sri Lankan athletic history, signifies a surge in sprinting talent. However, the Olympic qualifying time of 20.16s remains just out of reach for all four.
The middle-distance races present a distinct challenge for Sri Lanka's Olympic hopefuls. While standouts like Aruna Dharshana, Kalinga Kumarage, Nadeesha Ramanayake, Tharushi Karunaratne, and Gayanthika Abeyratne have logged impressive personal bests, the stringent Olympic qualifying times continue to prove elusive.
One bright spot emerged when Tharushi Karunarathna rewrote the Asian record books at the 2023 Asian Athletics Championships. Tharushi recorded a time of 2:00.06 to win gold in the women's 800m race and also set a new Asian record this month with her blistering 1:24.54 clocking in the 600m at a meet in Spain. She currently holds the 47th position in the 800m world ranking, and with just 48 Olympic qualifying spots available, if she maintain that spot until 30th of June, she will be selected for the Olympics.
However, the path is not so clear-cut for others like Kalinga Kumarage and Aruna Darshana in the men's 400m. Despite a third-place finish, Kumarage's 45.91-second effort in the Bahamas failed to improve his world ranking. One spot ahead lies Darshana courtesy of his 45.88s clocking, but both athletes face an uphill climb to accumulate the points required for Olympic qualification ahead of the looming national championships.
Sri Lanka's relay team often considered the nation's brightest hope for Olympic glory, face a daunting task of their own. The 4x400m Men's and Women's relay teams must collectively achieve times of 3:00.00 and 3:26.00, respectively, to secure their spots in Paris. With a constellation of talented athletes like Rajitha Rajakaruna, Pabasara Niku, Pasindu Kodikara, Dinuka Deshan, Jayeshi Uththara, Harshani Fernando, and Lakshima Mendis, the potential is undoubtedly there, but the margin for error is razor-thin. 2024 marks a bright spot. Their dominance at the Asian level competitions, even prompting them to sing the national anthem three times in a row, is commendable. However, visa issues prevented them from competing in the Bahamas, where the Indian silver medalists achieved the qualifying time and secured their spot in Paris. This administrative hurdle highlights the importance of strong support systems for athletes to compete at the highest level.
At the recent 2nd Asian Throwing Championship, 21-year-old Rumesh Tharanga provided a measure of hope by winning gold in the men's javelin with an 85m effort – agonizingly close to the 85.50m Olympic qualifying distance. While he will need to surpass that mark at the upcoming nationals to book his Paris ticket, compatriot Nadeesha Dilhani Lekamge's bronze medal-winning 57.94m throw has elevated her into the world's top 32 – keeping her Olympic dream alive.
Despite breaking the National Record, he can only qualify if he throws over this entry standard at the Nationals later this month as he has not taken part in at least 5 events. However, Nadeesha Dilhani Lekamge is back in the Top 32 with her Bronze medal effort of 57.94m. Sumedha Ranasinghe whose record was broken, only managed 77.57m for the Bronze.
Badminton
Sri Lanka's badminton scene erupts in celebration as Viren Nettasinghe achieves a historic feat! The 20-year-old phenom becomes the first Sri Lankan athlete to directly qualify for the Paris Olympics in Badminton Men's Singles.
This accomplishment marks a double celebration. Not only is Viren the first to directly qualify for the Olympics, but he's also the youngest player on the entire list of qualifiers this year!
Previously, Sri Lanka secured Olympic berths for badminton through wild cards, but Viren's qualification is a testament to his exceptional talent and relentless dedication. He climbed the rankings impressively, starting the season outside the top 800 and reaching a current rank of 72nd. This impressive rise has earned him the 32nd spot among qualified players for the Paris Games.
Viren surpasses the achievements of his badminton predecessors, Thilini Jayasinghe and Niluka Karunaratne, who both represented Sri Lanka at the Olympics but at a slightly older age. This achievement sparks excitement for Viren's future potential on the global stage.
Sri Lanka Badminton President Rohan de Silva expressed his pride, calling Viren "an icon in badminton" and praising his skills and determination.
Boxing
Umayanga Mihiran, Sri Lanka's National Champion in the 51kg flyweight division, demonstrates immense promise despite a recent hurdle in his Olympic journey. Though he secured the top title in Sri Lanka, his quest for Paris 2024 hit a bump in the 2024 World Boxing Olympic Qualification Tournament 2 where he fell short in the semi-finals. This experience underscores the fierce competition he'll encounter internationally. However, Mihiran's youth and unwavering dedication offer a bright outlook. Supported by his trainers at the Sri Lanka Police Sports Club and his coaches who nurtured his talent since childhood, he has the potential to overcome these challenges and represent Sri Lanka on the global stage in future tournaments.
Diving
Dulanjana Fernando, Sri Lanka's athlete for the 3m springboard event in diving, unfortunately, faces an unclear path to qualification due to limited information on the specific qualification pathways. This lack of transparency makes it difficult to assess Fernando's current standing and the challenges he'll need to overcome. The total quota of places for the Men's 3m Springboard event is 26, and 20 slots have already been filled.
Gymnastics
The road to Paris is particularly challenging for Sri Lankan artistic gymnasts Nadila Nethviru and Milka Gehani. While Gehani made history by qualifying for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, artistic gymnastics is a highly competitive sport, and Sri Lanka hasn't had a consistent presence in recent Games. Both athletes face a steep climb in a field dominated by established powerhouses. The total quota places for Women's Artistic Gymnastics is typically around 192, allocated through World Championships, apparatus World Cups, and continental championships.
Judo
Sri Lanka boasts judo experience with Chamara Dharmawardana (73kg), who secured a spot in the 2020 Olympics alongside Taekwondo athlete Tehani Egodawela. However, for Paris 2024, Dharmawardana will need to excel in the upcoming Asian qualifiers to secure his berth. Judo typically allocates around 336 quota places across all weight categories, with a specific number for Men's 73kg determined by continental quotas and the World Championships. Information on remaining quota places for Judo hasn't been released yet. Taekwondo quotas (around 128) are usually filled through World Championships, regional qualifiers, and Grand Prix events.
Shooting
Sri Lanka has seasoned marksmen ready to take aim in Paris. Amandhika Amarasinghe (10m Air Rifle) and Gavin Jayasekara (Trap) bring experience to the table, but their Olympic fate hinges on upcoming qualifying tournaments. Their steady aim and past performances will be crucial in securing their spots. The ISSF (International Shooting Sport Federation) allocates around 340 quota places for shooting events. Specific quotas for 10m Air Rifle and Trap haven't been released yet, but qualification will likely involve World Championships, World Cups, and continental championships.
Squash
Sri Lanka's squash hopeful, Ravindu Laksiri, needs to climb the rankings in Men's Singles. Consistent results in international tournaments will be his stepping stone towards achieving his Olympic dream. The PSA World Tour rankings play a major role in squash qualification, with a specific number of quota places (around 32) allocated based on rankings and regional representation.
Swimming
While Sri Lankan swimmers haven't secured a qualification spot yet, there's a chance they might receive a wild card invitation to the Olympics. However, Matthew Abeysinghe won't be eligible to compete due to participating in two previous qualifying events. FINA allocates a small number of Universality Places (wild cards) based on development needs and continental representation.
Weightlifting
Sri Lanka's weightlifting team has a chance to surprise in Paris. Indika Dissanayake (73kg) and Isuru Kumara (55kg) are both capable of creating a stir with exceptional performances in the qualifiers. Their strength and technique will be key factors in their Olympic quest. The IWF (International Weightlifting Federation) typically allocates around 200 quota places for weightlifting, with specific quotas for each weight class determined by World Championships and continental championships.
Wrestling
Nethmi Ahinsa Fernando, Sri Lanka's wrestling representative in the Freestyle 53kg category, will be determined to fight her way through upcoming wrestling qualifiers and secure her spot on the Olympic stage. UWW (United World Wrestling) allocates around 192 quota places for wrestling, with specific quotas for each weight class determined by World Championships and continental championships.
The next few months will be crucial for Sri Lanka's Olympic hopefuls. Keep an eye out for upcoming qualifying events and follow their performances to see who will be representing Sri Lanka on the world's biggest sporting stage.
This list provides a starting point, but remember, information about athletes and qualifying standards can change. Stay tuned and support Sri Lanka's athletes as they chase their Olympic dreams!
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