Sri Lankan shuttlers and wrestlers show fighting spirit at Asian Youth Games 2025

M.F. Mohamed of Sri Lanka was placed no. 2 in the Heat

Sri Lanka’s Nimesh Dulanjana in action against Chan Pham of Cambodia 

Sri Lanka’s spirited young athletes continued to fight with determination and pride at the Asian Youth Games (AYG) 2025 in Bahrain, with the nation’s shuttlers and wrestlers producing gutsy performances against some of Asia’s finest. Although the quest for Badminton and Wrestling medals came to an end, the effort and passion displayed by the teams reflected the steady rise of Sri Lanka’s youth sports.

In Badminton Sri Lanka’s medal hopes were pinned on Keneth Aruggoda and Pamududitha Randiligama, both of whom entered the pre-quarterfinals following impressive performances earlier in the tournament. The duo had played with confidence and consistency, defeating opponents from the Maldives and Cambodia to earn their spots among Asia’s top 16.

However, the dream run came to an end in the knockout stage. Keneth Aruggoda fought valiantly against Maharishiel Gain of Indonesia in a thrilling three-set encounter. After splitting the first two sets 1/1, the final game went down to the wire before the experienced Indonesian gained the upper hand, edging past the Sri Lankan youngster to secure a 2/1 victory.

Meanwhile, Pamuditha Randiligama faced a formidable challenge in China’s Leo Jing Yu, a technically refined player with strong international exposure. Despite Randiligama’s early resistance and quick reflexes at the net, the Chinese shuttler maintained control throughout the match, sealing a straight-sets (2/0) victory to move forward to the quarterfinals.

Although both Sri Lankans exited in the pre-quarterfinals, their earlier performances showed the country’s growing strength in badminton. Competing toe-to-toe with players from China and Indonesia two of Asia’s strongest badminton nations marked a significant step forward for Sri Lanka’s youth program. Their progress to the later rounds underlined the promise of a new generation of shuttlers ready to take on continental competition.

In Wrestling, Sri Lanka’s young contingent also showed heart and brave effort Nimesh Dulanjana, competing in the freestyle 55kg segment, began strongly with a 10/0 victory over Chan Pham of Cambodia. However, he later faced tough defeats against India’s Jaiveer Singhe and Iran’s Yasith Zarezadeh, both of whom are seasoned wrestlers from powerhouse nations.

Despite those losses, Dulanjana earned a lifeline through the repechage process, which gives wrestlers who lose to eventual finalists a chance to compete for a bronze medal. His early win ensured that he remained in contention, reflecting his competitive edge and fighting mentality. He was outclassed by Iranian Yasmin Zarezadeh on his way to the final round and Sri Lankan hope of Medal faded away but not before a brave performances.

In other wrestling events, Dewmini Ranaweera impressed in the free style 57kg division, overpowering Thailand’s Nunthawan Nathakkham 13/2, while Senura Dilmith  scored a commanding 13/0 victory over another Thai opponent before bowing out in the quarterfinals to Kazakhstan’s Yeraly Askerbek. Meanwhile Sri Lankan hope of a Bronze Medal faded away when Deshika Bandara was beaten by Mira Higashi in the Girls free style 43 kg Bronze medal encounter.

Though the results did not translate into medals, Sri Lanka’s performances across badminton and wrestling demonstrated courage, progress, and belief. The young athletes’ ability to challenge top-ranked Asian competitors signals a bright future for Sri Lanka’s youth sports one built on resilience, discipline, and the hunger to succeed on the international stage.

Other results on 29 Oct.

Swimming

None of the swimmers were able to move forward to the next round due to the overall timings. Jayden de Silva and M.F. Mohamed showed some good speed but overall they were below average to move forward for the final round.

Heats

Jayden de Silva first with 1:05:82

M.F. Mohamed 2nd placed in 100 meters breaststroke 

In 200m freestyle 

Lithum de Silva 5th in 200m freestyle 

Yasith Wijesundera 5th 200 m freestyle

Julie Hope 5th 200m freestyle

Lehara Melegoda 5th 200m freestyle 

Julie Hope 6th in 100m backstroke

Adithya Siriwardena 8th in 100m backstroke 

So far Sri Lankan youngsters have won One Gold, One Silver and Five Bronze medals totalling 7 medals which is the highest in the Asian Youth Games series. The previous highest was 6 medals in China at the 2nd AYG.