In a bid to elevate the sport of swimming within the nation, the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU) has taken the initiative to extend invitations to the World Aquatic Federations and their athletes to participate in the upcoming National and Junior National Short Course (25m) Swimming Championships. The prestigious event is scheduled to take place at the Hillwood College Swimming Pool in the Hill Capital from December 26 to 30.
The five-day tournament holds significant importance as it serves as a selection trial for the national pool. The current pool of athletes will undergo an evaluation, with those no longer meeting the criteria being replaced by new swimmers for the upcoming year.
Foreign nationals who have been residing in Sri Lanka for the past two years will also have the opportunity to compete in the competitions. However, it should be noted that such participants will not be considered for national selection or for establishing national swimming records.
Overseas athletes who meet the necessary entry qualifying standards are cordially invited to take part either as direct unattached competitors or through their respective member federations. SLASU has taken the initiative to arrange transportation and accommodation for all participants during the duration of the competition. Interested overseas athletes are required to contact SLASU via [email protected] no later than September 15, 2023.
In the previous edition of the Championships, Killer Whale Aquatics (KWA) asserted their dominance by securing victories in both the Men’s and Women’s National Championships, held at Isipathana College Swimming Pool. The runners-up positions were clinched by the Sri Lanka Army and Visakha Vidyalaya. In the Junior National category, Sirimavo Bandaranaike Vidyalaya and Trinity College emerged as the triumphant institutions.
Notable athletes who excelled in the event included Ramudi Samarakoon from KWA and Akalanka Peiris from the Sri Lanka Army, who secured the Senior National Champion titles for women and men respectively. In the Junior National Championships, the titles were claimed by Neoma Kahandawa of KWA and MF Muhammad of Zhiara College. The previous edition of the championships witnessed the breaking of an impressive 26 meet records.
Sajeewa Jayakody