M.F. Muhammad of Zahira College made a splash at the 48th National Age Group Swimming Championship, hosted by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU). On the opening day at the Sugathadasa Swimming Pool Complex, Muhammad, competing in the Under-17 category, not only shattered an eight-year-old meet record but also clocked the best men’s 50m Breaststroke time of the entire tournament.
The 15-year-old sensation raced to victory in the boys 50m Breaststroke, setting a new Under-17 Age Group record with a remarkable time of 30.91 seconds. This achievement erased the previous record held by Diluk Jayathilaka since the 2016 National Age Group Meet.
Muhammad’s performance stood out further as he outpaced competitors in both the Under-20 and Over-20 Open categories. His time of 30.91 seconds surpassed the gold medal-winning time of 32.32 seconds in the Under-20 category and the 31.47 seconds in the Over-20 category.
Moreover, Muhammad’s time also bettered the previous Under-20 record set by famous swimmer Akalanka Peiris (30.97 seconds).
The first day of the championship saw five new meet records established, including Chanudi Kumarapperuma of Lyceum International School Nugegoda breaking the Girls Under-17 100m Butterfly record with a time of 1:07.97.
Vinuka Dias of Lyceum International School Ratnapura set a new record in the Boys Under-15 Breaststroke final, clocking 33.24 seconds.
Maheli Navithma of St John’s Girls School Panadura established a new meet record in the Girls Under-11 Breaststroke final with a time of 43.51 seconds.
Illishas Saroha of Glenmark Aquatic Foundation set a new meet record in the Girls Under-13 Freestyle final, clocking 5:21.16. This time eclipsed the previous record set by South Asian Games medalist Dinali Karunadasa of Visakha Vidyalaya in 2018.
The four-day championship promises more thrilling races and potential record-breaking performances as it progresses into its second day today.
Sajeewa Jayakody