The 34th National Youth Sports Festival, organized by the National Youth Services Centre under the supervision of the Sports and Youth Ministry, is set to kick off at the Sugathadasa Stadium from November 16 to 19, featuring the participation of 3000 athletes.
This five-day national competition will unfold in two divisions, catering to athletes between 15 and 29 years of age and those in the Under-20 and Above-20 age categories.
In the upcoming edition, the Olympic torch will be lit by Sayuri Lakshima Mendis and BASK Dias. Mendis, a bronze medalist in the 2023 Asian Games 4x400m women’s relay, silver medalist in the 2022 Asian Athletic Championship 4X400m women’s relay, and the 2021 Youth Sports Festival Under-20 Best Athlete. Dias boasts achievements such as winning the gold medal in the 2018 National Schools Games
110m Hurdles Under-20 boys, silver in the 2019 Sir John Tarbat Athletic Championship 110m Hurdles, and gold in various other events.
The festival promises substantial cash prizes, with the four Best Athletes in both men’s and women’s categories receiving Rs 250,000 each. Champion districts will secure Rs 200,000, runners-up districts Rs 150,000, and third-place districts Rs 100,000 along with trophies.
Athletes setting new meet records will be awarded Rs 10,000 each and a special trophy. The organizers are offering Rs 50,000 for a new National Record.
Team event champions will receive Rs 35,000, runners-up Rs 30,000, and third-place winners Rs 25,000. The opening ceremony on November 16 at 3 PM will be attended by Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Roshan Ranasinghe and National Youth Services Council Chairman Pasindu Gunaratne. The closing ceremony on November 19 at 3 PM will be graced by President’s Secretary Saman Ekanayake.
SAJEEWA JAYAKODY