Sri Lanka to send strong contingent for third AYG in Bahrain

By Shamseer Jaleel

Team Sri Lanka is set for the 2025 Asian Youth Games (AYG) in Bahrain with a strong contingent of athletes across multiple sports. The delegation is led by Chef-de-Mission, Rtd Rear Adm Manjula Dissanayake and Deputy Chef-de-Mission Group Captain Nalin Wewakumbura. 

Around 100 young athletes in the age group from 14 to 17 will compete in this AYG in Bahrain from 22 October till 31 which is the third in the series. Carnage will be the official Attire sponsor for the kids and official at AYG 2025 while LOVI will be the opening ceremony Attire partner. 

The first event of the AYG took place in Singapore during 2009 while the second one in China during 2013. The AYG which was scheduled during 2017 for Hambantota was cancelled and the 2021 event not taking place due to Covid around the globe. The next event will take place in Phom Penh, Cambodia during the year 2029.

In the AYG history China is leading the medal table with a total of 145 including 71 Gold Medals followed by South Korea with a total of 106 including 45 Gold medals. Sri Lanka is placed on 22nd position with 2 Silver medals and 7 Bronze under their belt. 

This contingent looks a talented one to add more glory on the title count for Sri Lanka with National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC SL), Suresh Subramaniam and his team putting lot of time and effort and the full tour been sponsored by the Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry plus LOVI and Carnage as the Attire sponsors.

The Sri Lankan athletes will have 56 boys and 44 girls in the touring outfit to Bahrain. The outfit will be supported with 31 team officials and 19 contingent officials. The opening ceremony flag bear for Sri Lanka will be Janidu Dhananjaya for the Boys while Dilini Methsala will be for the Girls.

Athletics

The athletics squad, managed by Jayalal Rathnasoorya Hewa Dangedarage, features coaches like Nihal Wickramasinghe and Damitha Athukorala. Some top-class junior athletes such as Teshani Wanshanayaka, Nethmi Saneepa Pulle, Chamindu Sathsara Hewage, and Rusith Nimsara Thenuwara, ready to compete on the track and field.

Badminton

Chamath Kavinda Dias Kumara Hannalage serves as the Manager-Cum-Coach for the badminton team. The talented shuttlers representing Sri Lanka are Nethmi Amaya Ratnayake, Sithuli Sathnadee Ranasinghe, Pamudu Pankaja Randiligama, and Keneth Aruggoda, aiming for smashing success.

Basketball

Basketball features separate Men’s and Women’s teams. Thusitha Yatigammana manages the Men’s team with athletes like Himaru Tissera and Aaron Gerald. The Women’s team, managed by Jayanthi Ranhotige, includes players such as Tinara Perera and Sithuki Kodagoda.

Boxing

The boxing team is coached by Amila Thissera and Lahiru Perera. The pugilists carrying the nation’s hopes are Janidu Dhananjaya Wickrama Arachchilage and Binul Dulnada Dewasiri Narayana, prepared for a powerful performance in the ring.

EŞports

The EŞports contingent is managed by Ramesh Lakmal Liyanage. Athletes Hayan Aqwam Mohamed Alfar and Sayuni Sadushika Wickramarathna will compete in the digital arena, showcasing Sri Lanka’s growing prowess in competitive games.

Golf  

Mithun Perera coaches the golf team. The athletes aiming for precision on the green are the top girl golfer in the country are Kaya Daluwatte along with three boys. Highest ranked, Reshan Algama will be joined by talented Jevahn Sathasivam and Adhithya Weerasinghe. These four juniors have ample talent to take golf to the next level through strong performances in this fast-growing sport in Sri Lanka.

Kabaddi

Sri Lanka fields strong men’s and women’s Kabaddi teams. The Men’s team, managed by Nimal Dharmasri, includes players like Dasun Dissanayaka and Thilina Weerasuriya. The Women’s team, led by Manager Kumudu Premarathna, features Amashi Dias and Rashmini Ekanayaka.

Swimming

The swimming team, managed by Bagyanath Yahampath and coached by Matthew Abeysinghe, includes swimmers Sasha Rajapakse, Thinugi Melegoda, Adeetha Siriwardena, and Yashith Wijesundera, set to make waves in the pool.

Taekwondo

Asoka Manathunga manages the Taekwondo team with coaches Jayantha Manthilaka and Rasika Meewedume.Athletes like Vishmi Thalahitiye, Savidya Ritigahapola, and Pasanjaya Ranasinghe are poised to deliver dynamic kicks for medals.

Beach Volleyball 

The Beach Volleyball teams have coaches Mahesh Perera and Hashan Liyanage. Athletes include Didula Fernando and Shadesha Hewa. Weightlifting, coached by Chanaka Rajapaksha, features Samadhi Rilla and Nithika Vidanage. Wrestling, led by Head Coach Dilruk De Silva, has athletes like Yohani Adhikari and Dirushan Sanjeev.