Saturday Nov 29, 2025
Saturday Nov 29, 2025
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Kaya Daluwatte (right) with the Gold and Silver medallists from China
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Kaya Daluwatte |
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Reshan Algama
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Sri Lanka’s star junior golfer, Kaya Daluwatte, created history at the Asian Youth Games (AYG) 2025 in Bahrain, clinching the Bronze medal in the Girls’ Golf event at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain. Her final total of 202 (−14) placed her among Asia’s finest young golfers and marked Sri Lanka’s first ever medal in golf at the prestigious multi-sport event.
The competition was dominated by the Chinese contingent, which took the top three positions on the leaderboard.
Jinghan Cui produced a phenomenal display of consistency and shot-making to claim the Gold medal with an incredible score of 195 (−21), setting a new benchmark for junior golf excellence. Her compatriots, Yijia Ren and Menghan Li, followed closely with rounds of 198 (−18) and 200 (−16), respectively, completing an all-Chinese sweep at the top.
Daluwatte’s composure and consistency across the three rounds were remarkable. Opening with a solid 69 (−3), she surged up the leaderboard with a stunning 64 (−8) on the second day, one of the best rounds of the tournament, before closing with another controlled 69 (−3). Her ability to stay focused under pressure highlighted her immense talent and maturity.
The Royal Golf Club in Bahrain provided a true test of skill with challenging fairways and firm greens, but Daluwatte adapted superbly, showing both power and precision. Competing against Asia’s elite, her controlled approach shots and calm putting underlined her readiness to compete at the highest level.
Reflecting on her performance, Daluwatte expressed pride in bringing home Sri Lanka’s first Bronze medal at the AYG. “It’s a dream come true to make history for my country,” she said, dedicating her success to her coaches, family, and Sri Lanka Golf, whose continuous support has elevated junior golf development in the country.
Daluwatte’s achievement symbolises the progress of Sri Lankan golf on the international stage and the grassroots work done by the junior development committee during the last decade. It also highlights the increasing participation and success of young female golfers who are breaking barriers and setting new standards.
Her medal adds a new chapter to Sri Lanka’s growing sporting legacy in Asia.
Daluwatte’s Coach and Manager Mithun Perera speaking to Daily FT said: “We had a one week training with the team, Kaya had potential, was very good in her techniques, and her medal-winning ability was very high. All credit to her parents for the foundation she had and it was just fine tuning only. This medal is good for her and she has a lot of potential to win a medal at the next Youth Olympic Games and Asian Games.”
Perera added: “Playing with the wind was tough, plus the conditions were too hot and humid – much higher than Sri Lanka – and they hardly had any time to adjust to the Bahrain climate. Reshan too had a chance of a medal, provided he had a good start on the opening day.”
The boys’ event saw Jim Han of China claiming the Gold medal with an exceptional total of 204 strokes (-12) over three rounds. His consistent play across all days saw him hold off a strong field and secure China’s dominance on the leaderboard.
Close behind was Anh Tuan of Vietnam, who produced an equally impressive performance to finish with 205 strokes (-11), just one shot adrift of the leader. His ability to stay composed under pressure through the back nine of the final round earned him a well-deserved Silver medal.
The Bronze was won by Jayawardana Dornan of Indonesia, who finished at 207 strokes (-9). Dornan’s steady and composed play, capped off with a closing 68, ensured he stood among Asia’s best junior golfers in this prestigious competition.
Sri Lanka’s Reshan Algama produced a good performance, finishing seventh overall with a total of 217 (+1). His consistent rounds of 74, 70, and 73 reflected his growing maturity and competitive spirit on the international stage. But the initial day put him under pressure to not get a good start; if not, he too could have been eyed for a medal.
Algama’s top 10 finish is one of Sri Lanka’s best-ever results in Asian youth golf and shows the nation’s rising presence in regional competitions. His achievement, alongside Daluwatte’s historic medal in the girls’ division, marks a defining moment for Sri Lankan golf at the AYG 2025.
Jevahn Sathasivam and Adhithya Weerasinghe too featured but had tough starts, recovering well and playing good golf on the last day.
In the boys’ javelin throw, Chatura Dulanjana won the Bronze medal with a distance 62.51 metres, while Shanuka Costa won the Bronze medal in the boys’ 400m final with a timing of 47.72
So far, Sri Lankan juniors having won one Gold and four Bronze medals, and are looking forward to adding a few more during the last four days of the games.
Other results on 24 and 25 October
Taekwondo
Girls
Iran beat Sri Lanka 2/0
Boys
Tajikistan beat Sri Lanka 2/0, Indonesia beat Sri Lanka 2/0
Boxing
Sri Lanka lost to Turkmenistan 5/0
Beach Volleyball
Boys
China beat Sri Lanka 2/0
Girls
Thailand beat Sri Lanka 2/0
Basketball 3X3
Boys
Sri Lanka beat Bangladesh 21/6, Saudi Arabia beat Sri Lanka 17/16, Iran beat Sri Lanka 21/7, Sri Lanka beat Yemen 22/16
Girls
Sri Lanka beat Maldives 19/14, Sri Lanka beat Palestine 20/14, Sri Lanka beat Mongolia 14/10, India beat Sri Lanka 21/6, Indonesia beat Sri Lanka 17/11
Esports
Boys
Haitian Aqwam
Lost to Iraq, Bahrain, and Indonesia all three 1/0 each
Girls
Sayuni Sadushika
Beat Mongolia 1/0
Lost to UAE, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia 1/0 in each
Sri Lanka vs. Saudi Arabia in basketball 3x3
From left: AYG Bahrain 2025 Deputy Chef de Mission – Sri Lanka Group Captain Nalin Wewakumbura, NOC Sri Lanka President Suresh Subramaniam, Sri Lanka Ambassador in Bahrain Shanika Dissanayake, AYG Bahrain 2025 Chef de Mission – Sri Lanka Rear Admiral Manjula Dissanayake, and NOC Sri Lanka Vice President Niloo Jayatilake
