Kaya and Reshan keep Sri Lanka’s medal hopes alive at Asian Youth Games

Saturday, 25 October 2025 00:29 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Sri Lanka’s young golfing sensations, Kaya Daluwatte and Reshan Algama, continued to impress on Day 2 of the Asian Youth Games 2025 in Bahrain, keeping the island’s hopes of a medal well within reach as the tournament heads into its decisive final round at the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain today.

Both players displayed exceptional composure and skill against a strong field representing the continent’s finest junior golfers.

Kaya Daluwatte, who started the tournament brilliantly with a three-under-par round on Day 1, took her game to another level on the second day. The talented young star fired a magnificent 8 under par 64 ending Day 2 with an overall score of 11-under-par, with a total score of 133 tied with 3 more golfers from China (2) and Singapore for the 2nd position. She was just one stroke behind the leader Menghan Li of China who maintained her dominance at top of the leaderboard. Kaya’s round was a masterclass in consistency with steady drives, sharp iron play, and a confident touch on the greens.

Her day was highlighted by a string of birdies across both nines, showing her growing maturity and control under pressure. The 17-year-old from Sri Lanka has been steadily climbing the ranks in the Asian junior golf circuit and this performance at Bahrain’s challenging desert course is further evidence of her rising potential. With one round left to play, Kaya remains a strong contender for a podium finish, if she maintains her current rhythm.

Meanwhile, in the Boys’ division, Reshan Algama also produced a commendable display, ending Day 2 tied for 7th place with 2 under-par round of 70. His steady performance kept him within striking distance of the leaders as he aims to climb the leaderboard on the final day. Reshan totalled 144 strokes. China’s Jin Han took charge in the boys’ category with a superb five-under-par of 67 with a total of 135 strokes.

Reshan’s round was marked by solid course management particularly on the back nine where he recovered from a bogey to card two birdies and stay in contention. Known for his disciplined approach and calm temperament, he will be looking to go low on the final day to push for a medal a feat that would mark a historic achievement for Sri Lankan junior golf.

Meanwhile Jevahn Sathasivam and Adhithya Weerasinghe had a tough day ending on the bottom half of the 51 strong junior golfers among Asia.

As the event heads into its final day, the Royal Golf Club in Bahrain is set for a thrilling climax. With Kaya in striking distance of the top and Reshan within reach of the leaders, Sri Lanka’s young golfers have positioned themselves among Asia’s elite. Their performances have not only raised hopes for medals but have also underlined the steady progress Sri Lanka is making in youth golf development.

Coach and Manager Mithun Perera, speaking to Daily FT, said he had the confidence in both players’ ability to finish strong under pressure. With calm conditions expected on the final day, both Kaya and Reshan will have the perfect stage to show their skills and potentially bring glory to Sri Lanka on the continental stage.