Chameera Ginige, Prasad Silva, Ishara Madurangi, and Bimandee Bandara have been selected to carry the hopes of the island nation as they vie for coveted spots in the Paris 2024 Olympics. The qualifying tournament will be held in Nepal from May 12.
Chameera Ginige and Bimandee Bandara the present National Champions, Prasad Silva of Emjay International Pvt Ltd, a product from Vidyartha College and Ishara Madurangi former National Champion who is the most experienced paddler of this tour expected to gain Olympic qualifications. So far no Sri Lankan paddler has achieved Olympic standard.
Bimandee Bandara the 19-year-old paddler from Hillwood College Kandy is the youngest player among this four players.
The anticipation and excitement among the Sri Lankan sports community are palpable as these talented athletes prepare to showcase their skills on the international stage. With rigorous training and unwavering determination, they are set to give their best in pursuit of Olympic glory, added TTASL President Rahal Abeyratne.
So far only shuttler Viren Nettasinghe from Sri Lanka qualified for the Paris Olympics and four paddlers Ishara, Bimandee, Chameera and Prasad will try their best to achieve this milestone.
Table Tennis Association of Sri Lanka (TTASL) headed by Rahal Abeyratne is making all arrangements for this Nepal tour while Sports Ministry gave financial assistance for these paddlers.
Dhammika Ratnaweera