Vidusha dedicates medal to blast victims

Vidusha Lakshani celebrates her win

• Asian Athletics Championship 2019
  
   

By Madushka Balasuriya

Just days after losing teachers and friends in the Easter Sunday terror attacks that killed over 350 people, Negombo-based triple jumper Vidusha Lakshani showcased admirable steel and mental fortitude to bring home an unlikely Bronze medal for her country at the Asian Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar on Tuesday.

Vidusha, who had narrowly missed out on Bronze in 2017, cleared a distance of 13.53 metres in the Women’s Triple Jump final on day 3 of the Championships at the Qatar Khalifa Stadium to secure third place, and with it Sri Lanka’s only medal of the 2019 Championships thus far. Thailand’s Parinya Chuaimaroeng and China’s Zeng Rui took home Gold and Silver respectively.

Speaking to the media afterwards, an emotional Vidusha, who was wearing a black armband to commemorate those lost in the attacks, called for unity in her nation during this time of tragedy.

“To be honest, I have mixed feelings. Yes, I’m happy to have won this medal, but I’m also heartbroken about what’s happening in my country and just thinking about all those who have died. I hope, that at this time of great sadness for my countrymen, my victory brings some semblance of happiness to them,” she said.

“To my fellow countrymen I would just like to say, that in this difficult moment, it’s important to remember that we’re all from one country, regardless of ethnicity or religion. Whether you’re Sinhala, Tamil, Muslim or any other denomination, we must all come together and stand united if we are to eradicate the blight that is terrorism from our country.”

Coming into the event Vidusha’s best jump had been 13.28 metres – well short of her Bronze medal-winning distance – which she says had brought forth several detractors. After the event, a defiant Vidusha felt she had now adequately answered the naysayers. 

“Coming into this championship, no one expected me to do well; a lot of people were asking why they were even taking me to this event. They were saying my timing wasn’t that great, but now I have shown them in the best way possible. I want to tell all those who doubted me that I am talented and that as a Sri Lankan I am extremely mentally strong.

“In fact, we are all like that, which is our biggest strength. No matter how many times we fall, we always get back up. So instead of always criticising us and telling us we aren’t good enough, help us realise the talent we have.”