Sri Lankan Para Table Tennis player Dinesh Deshappriya created history when he bagged two gold medals at the ITTF 15th Al – Attani Jordan Para Championship Jordan, Amman ended on a high note.
Dinesh Deshappriya the 38-year-old former Isipatana paddler won singles gold medal earlier while he partnered with Murodullaev Sunnatillo of Uzbekistan to win the men’s doubles gold medal to complete a double.
In fact this was the first Time a Sri Lankan Paddler took two golds at an International meet and excellent achievement by Dinesh Deshappriya who is the youngest brother of former National player. Dinesh was accompanied by Brig. Dhananjaya Aludeniya as the coach on this Jordan tour.
When Daily News contacted Dinesh Deshappriya he said; It was real good exposure prior to most important event of Thailand Paralympics qualification meet in next month. “I got real boost from this two golds before my qualification meet and expected to do well at forthcoming meet to get qualification to Paris Paralympics,” added Dinesh Deshappriya.”After I entered for Para TT in 2018 I was able to win the gold at Thailand Open Para TT Championship and I won the bronze medal at 2018 Asian Games in Jakartha. I bagged the gold at last year’s Egypt Para TT championship. Now I am playing Para TT class 9-10 with my injury and there is a huge compition among other foreign players in this category”.
“Actually playing Para TT is more challenging but my dedication and commitment to the game is very high. My wife, two brothers Indika Prasad, Nuwan Sampath always back me to reach Paralympic qualification and all my coaches and National Paralympics Committee headed by Colonel Deepal Herath give good support. In fact getting overseas tours is very vital for us while Sports Ministry give big support to me and I am still looking for a sponsor,” added Dinesh Deshappriya.
Dhammika Ratnaweera