Sri Lanka is preparing for the 19th Asian Games swimming, taking place at the Hangzhou Sports Park Aquatic Centre in China later this month. The national swimming team will be represented by three exceptional athletes, including Olympian Matthew Abeysinghe, backstroke specialists Akalanka Peris, and Ganga Seneviratne.
Double Olympian and the most decorated athlete in South Asian Games history, Matthew Abeysinghe, is ready to compete
Ganga Seneviratne
in three events: the 50m Butterfly, 50m Freestyle, and his signature event, the 100m Freestyle. Coach Manoj Abeysinghe expressed high hopes for Matthew’s performance, stating, “I want to see continuous improvement in his swimming, and I am optimistic that he will return to his peak form. We are looking forward to his journey towards the next Olympics and the Doha World Championships in February next year.”
Akalanka Peris
Ganga Seneviratne, another rising star in Sri Lankan swimming, will showcase her skills in the 100m Backstroke and 200m Backstroke events. Coach Abeysinghe highlighted Ganga’s recent progress and aims for her to break the national record in the 200m Backstroke.
Akalanka Peiris, who has been training in Australia, will compete in the 50m Backstroke and 100m Backstroke. He currently holds the Sri Lanka national records for both of these events. Coach Abeysinghe expressed his expectations for Akalanka to excel, given his extensive training experience in Australia.
SAJEEWA JAYAKODY