A team of eleven talented Sri Lankan junior rowers is all set to participate in the upcoming Asian Rowing Under-19 and Under-23 Championships. The event, organized by the Asian Rowing Federation, will take place in Pattaya, Thailand, from December 14 to 18.
These young athletes underwent rigorous training for approximately four months under the guidance of National Coach Pedro Sanz at the Diyawanna Rowing Centre. Their hard work is aimed at competing against top rowing nations like China, India, and Japan.
President of the Sri Lanka Rowing Association, Dimuth Gunawardena, expressed the challenges faced in securing funds for the tournament and coach payments. However, despite the obstacles, the determined team of 11 members is ready to represent their country on the international stage.
The selected squad comprises the best performers from leading rowing schools in Colombo. The Sri Lanka Rowing Association envisions forming a strong team for future Asian competitions through this mega event.
Gunawardena stated, “These youngsters are in excellent shape, and we hope they bring honour to the country. That’s our wish.”
The team is a mix of five female athletes—Nethuki Senanayake Oneli Chandrasekera, Jaanya Kumarawadu, Rovynia Wijesekera, and Havishka Perera—and six male athletes—Kehan Sooriyarachchi, Disas Sooriyarachchi, Venuk Paduwawala, Mithil Wickramasinghe, Shivanedra Goonewardena, and Shaylon Gunaratne. The Sri Lankan contingent is eager to showcase their skills and make their mark in the championship.
SAJEEWA JAYAKODY