Sri Lankan Juniors in Bahrain with high hopes for a medal

Sri Lanka’s next generation of golfing talent has set off for Bahrain, ready to test their skills against Asia’s finest at the 3rd Asian Youth Games Golf Championship, taking place from Today (23) to 25 October at the Royal Golf Club.

The team, made up of four exceptional young golfers – Kaya Daluwatte, Reshan Algama, Jevahn Sathasivam, and Adithya Weerasinghe – will compete under the experienced guidance of Mithun Perera, one of Sri Lanka’s most accomplished professionals and the son of national legend golfer, Nandasena Perera. Mithun serves as both Coach and Manager for the contingent.

Leading the charge is 17-year-old Reshan Algama, currently ranked 489th in the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) and recognised as Sri Lanka’s second-highest ranked amateur golfer, who has built a reputation for consistency and mental toughness, qualities that have made him a standout in both local and regional tournaments.

Joining him in the Men’s division is fellow 17-year-old Jevahn Sathasivam of Asian International School, Colombo, the reigning Sri Lanka Amateur Champion and one of the best talents from Sri Lanka with his superb long range shots at his best.

Adithya Weerasinghe, a promising 16-year-old from Ananda College, adds youthful enthusiasm and a sharp competitive edge to complete the Men’s line-up.

In the Girls’ segment, 16-year-old Kaya Daluwatte, pursuing her studies in India, will represent Sri Lanka. Ranked 529th in the WAGR, she continues to make waves as the country’s top female golfer and only Sri Lankan woman listed on the world rankings, showing the depth of potential in the nation’s junior ranks.

The Asian Youth Games are considered the junior equivalent of the Asian Games, an event that mirrors the spirit and stature of the Olympics, where young athletes come together not merely to compete, but to represent their countries on one of Asia’s most prestigious multi-sport stages. For these Sri Lankan juniors, wearing the national colours in Bahrain is a moment of pride, purpose, and promise—the culmination of years of discipline and the beginning of something far greater.

The tournament will bring together players from Thailand, India, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Pakistan, Vietnam, and host nation Bahrain, among others setting the stage for a high-calibre competition that blends youthful energy with elite-level skill.

For Sri Lanka, the event offers far more than medals. It represents a chance for these young golfers to gain experience on an international platform, competing shoulder-to-shoulder with the continent’s best under the steady mentorship of Mithun Perera. Their performances in Bahrain will not only reflect their personal growth but also signal the steady progress of junior golf in Sri Lanka, a sport steadily finding its rhythm in the Asian region.

Olympic Council of Asia Exco Meeting takes place in Bahrain

The Olympic Council of Asia had its Exco Board Meeting, which was represented by Olympic Council Asia (OCA) Executive Board Member representing South Asia Niloo Jayatilake.

A few important decisions were taken, including the handing over of the next Asia Youth Games in 2029, which was handed over to Uzbekistan as Cambodia failed with the deadlines.

Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia presented their next year’s Asian Indoor and Martial Arts game with powerful presentations and meeting their deadlines, which was well received by the Exco of the OCA.

Iran dash Sri Lankan hopes in Kabaddi

Iran dashed all hopes of the Sri Lankan medal when they beat Sri Lanka 93/22 in the Men’s Kabaddi encounter.

The opening ceremony took place yesterday night in Bahrain.

Niloo meets next AYG Chairman

OCA Executive Board Member Niloo Jayatilake (right) with Uzbekistan National Olympic Council Chairman Otabek Umarov

Olympic Council Asia (OCA) Executive Board Member representing South Asia Niloo Jayatilake yesterday met with 2029 Asian Youth Games (AYG) hosts Uzbekistan’s National Olympic Council Chairman Otabek Umarov.