Sri Lanka wins first Silver at Asian Youth Games

The Sri Lanka Boys' Medley Relay 400m team won Silver

Dilini Nethsala won Bronze in Girls' Triple Jump

Sithuli Ranasinghe beat Muthita Kinnavong of Laos 

Sri Lanka’s young athletes continued to shine brightly on the continental stage as they produced some inspiring performances at the Asian Youth Games (AYG) 2025, currently taking place in Bahrain.

The island nation added two more medals to its tally, with its first Silver medal in the Boys Medley Relay and a Bronze in the Girls Triple Jump signalling a strong and promising future for Sri Lankan youth athletics. So far Sri Lanka having accounted for 1 Gold, 1 Silver and 5 Bronze medals is the highest in the AYG series having won 6 medals at the last event in China 4 years ago. 

The Boys Medley Relay 400m team, comprising Nirudaka Vishal, Bingumina Adithya, Shanuka Costa and Chamindu Sathsara delivered a truly memorable performance. Clocking a personal best timing of 1:52:82, the quartet powered their way to a Silver Medal, their well-coordinated baton exchanges and smooth transitions made this one of Sri Lanka’s most polished relay performances in recent history. 

Meanwhile, Dilini Nethsala added further glory with a remarkable showing in the Girls Triple Jump event. The talented jumper leapt 12.31 metres, securing the Bronze Medal12.31 metres, securing the while also recording a personal best. Her calm composure under pressure and flawless technique impressed both the spectators and officials alike.

Dilini’s Bronze came after an intensely contested final, where she showed both mental strength and athletic maturity beyond her years. The performance not only earned her a place on the podium but also demonstrated that Sri Lanka’s female athletes are fast emerging as strong contenders in regional competitions. 

The consistent progress across multiple disciplines reflects the growing depth and competitiveness within Sri Lanka’s youth sporting system.

The Sri Lankan Boys Basketball 3 X 3 team too displayed tremendous fighting spirit and determination throughout their campaign. Facing much taller and physically stronger opponents, they pushed both Saudi Arabia and Kazakhstan to the limit, narrowly losing 19/20 and 16/17 respectively. Both games were decided in the dying seconds, showing how close Sri Lanka came to upsetting two of Asia’s basketball powerhouses. Unfortunately they were not qualified for the next rounds. 

Though results did not go their way, the performances were encouraging. The team’s skilful ball handling, fast-paced passing, and never-say-die attitude earned them respect from all quarters. It was a strong sign that Sri Lanka’s basketball program is developing well at the junior level. 

The Girls Basketball team also fought valiantly, displaying great teamwork and commitment. They held their own against Thailand and Indonesia, losing 13/18 and 11/17 respectively. While the results fell short, the narrow score margins reflected the progress Sri Lanka has made in women’s basketball and the players’ growing ability to compete with top Asian sides. In the quarter final encounter they were beaten by a much stronger Chinese outfit 9/18 and ended the AYG on a high note. 

In the boxing ring, Binul Dulananda fought with great determination in the 46 kg weight but was outclassed by the experienced Leo Lobrido of Philippines, losing 0/5. Despite the defeat, Binul’s participation added to Sri Lanka’s growing representation across multiple sporting disciplines and moving forward to second round before been eliminated.

Sri Lankan shuttlers produced a series of impressive performances at the AYG 2025 with both Sethuki Ranasinghe and Padmudu Randiligama advancing in the Mixed Double to the next round of the badminton competition following dominant victories in their respective singles matches. Sithuli Ranasinghe and Keneth Aruggoda too moved to the next round through their 2/0 win over hosts, Bahrain. 

In the Girls Singles, Sithuli Ranasinghe was in outstanding form, outclassing Muthita Kinnanong of Laos in straight sets 2/0. Displaying great agility, precision, and control, Sithuli dictated play throughout, maintaining her composure under pressure to seal the win in convincing fashion. In a hard fought battle Nethmi Rathnayake lost out to Indian Kalgotla Vennala 2/0. Nethmi gave a good account in the initial round but lost out towards the end. But round 2 the Indian girl took firm control and won the encounter.

Meanwhile, Padumudu Randiligama also produced a superb performance in the Boys single, defeating Timur Burkhandy of Kazakhstan by 2/0. Although the Kazakh opponent showed resilience in the second game, Padumudu’s consistency and tactical shot placement helped him regain control and close out the match confidently.

In weight lifting K.B. Venura was placed 2nd in the group stage but was not sufficient to move for the next round.

Their wins not only secure Sri Lanka’s place in the next round of the badminton competition but also highlight the nation’s growing strength in junior badminton across Asia. Both players will look to continue their fine form as the tournament intensifies in the coming days and a possibility of adding a few medals for their country. 

Meanwhile, in swimming, despite several promising efforts, Sri Lanka’s competitors were unable to advance past the heats. The performances, however, reflected the team’s dedication and continued development at international level. Only Lithum de Silva was placed 2nd in the 400 m freestyle while in the girls the same segment saw Lehara Melegoda (2) and Julie Hope (3) securing some respectability. 

National Olympic Council of Sri Lanka President Suresh Subramaniam has taken with his great leadership at NOC SL cleaning few federations one of them was athletics and other been rugby  during last 3 to 4 months period with the help of Sports Ministry and consent with International Olympic Council (IOC), Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) and the World Body. He is also the current Sri Lanka Golf (SLG), President as well and the federation moving towards the correct direction after a long lapse. 

As the competition enters its final phase, Sri Lanka’s performance in Bahrain stands out as one of its most successful outings in the games’ history. The young athletes have shown exceptional heart, discipline, and sportsmanship, competing shoulder-to-shoulder with Asia’s best. 

Their achievements particularly in athletics and golf reflect the steady progress of the country’s grassroots sports programs and the commitment of coaches and officials who continue to nurture emerging talent.

Bahrain 2025 will be remembered not only for the medals won but also for the courage, passion, and fighting spirit of Sri Lanka’s youth, a generation ready to carry the nation’s sporting legacy forward.