Sri Lankan youngsters create history with record medal haul

Nethmi Gimhani Pulle won Bronze in the Girls' 1500m event

Dilini Nethsala won Bronze in Girls' Triple Jump

Sri Lanka’s young athletes etched their names in the nation’s sporting history at the Asian Youth Games (AYG) 2025 in Bahrain, producing a record-breaking performance that brought home one Gold, one Silver, and five Bronze medals—the island’s highest-ever medal tally in the three editions of the Games. 

Their success marked a defining moment for youth sports in Sri Lanka, showcasing a new generation of talent ready to shine on the Asian stage.

The highlight of the campaign came from Lahiru  Achintha, who created history by winning Sri Lanka’s first-ever Gold medal at the AYG. Competing in the Boys’ 1500m, Achintha displayed remarkable endurance and pace, clocking 3:57.42 to outclass a competitive field. His triumph not only made him a national hero but also served as an inspiration to all young athletes across the country.

Adding to the country’s glory, Sri Lanka’s Boys’ Medley Relay Team, comprising Nirudaka Vishal, Bingumina Adithya, Shanuka Costa, and Chamindu Sathsara, stormed to the Silver medal in the 400m relay event. Their teamwork, speed, and perfect baton exchanges were a testament to the progress Sri Lanka has made in track events at the youth level.

Sri Lanka’s first Bronze medal in the girls’ category came through a sensational performance by Nethmi Pulle, who finished third in the Girls’ 1500m with a time of 4:52.32. Her result reflected not just personal determination but also the rising standard of women’s athletics in the country.

Field events also brought success, with Dilini Nethsala finishing strongly in the Triple Junior final, leaping 12.31 metres to earn valuable points and recognition for Sri Lanka in a technically demanding event. Though she narrowly missed the podium, her effort was among the best by a Sri Lankan female jumper in regional competition.

In the Javelin Throw, Chathuranga Dulanjana captured a Bronze medal with a throw of 62.51 metres, demonstrating skill and consistency under pressure. His achievement marked another bright moment in Sri Lanka’s athletics campaign, reinforcing the country’s strength in field disciplines.

From the golf course came another proud moment, as Kaya Daluwatte displayed remarkable composure and talent to win Sri Lanka’s first-ever Bronze medal in golf at the AYG. Competing against the continent’s best young golfers, her performance underscored Sri Lanka’s growing footprint in the sport at the junior level. She was in sensational form on all three days.

Adding to the medal count, Shanuka Costa, who was also part of the Silver-winning relay team, produced an excellent run in the 400m final to secure Bronze with a time of 47.72 seconds. His dual success made him one of the standout performers for Sri Lanka in Bahrain.

Reflecting on the country’s best-ever campaign, National Olympic Committee (NOC) Sri Lanka President Suresh Subramaniam expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA), particularly Capt. Hussain Al Musallam and Vinod, for their unwavering support to Sri Lanka throughout the Games. He also extended thanks to the Sports Minister, Executive Committee of NOC Sri Lanka, and sponsors, including Lovi, Carnage, and Akbar Brothers, whose backing played a vital role in the team’s preparation and success.

“This is a proud moment for Sri Lanka,” said Subramaniam. “We have beaten our all-time record of six medals and raised it to seven, including our first Gold medal in the history of the AYG. The performance of our young athletes in Bahrain is a testament to their hard work, discipline, and belief. It marks the beginning of a new chapter in Sri Lanka’s sporting journey.”

With their inspiring performances and record medal haul, Sri Lanka’s youngsters have not only made history but also set a new standard for future generations, proving that with dedication and support, the island nation can stand tall among Asia’s best. 

The closing ceremony took place at the Khalifa Sports City Stadium, with the next game taking place in Uzbekistan during 2029. Sri Lanka was placed 26th out of 45 countries. 

The SL team on arrival at the airport with Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage

Lahiru Achintha won the Gold medal in the Boys’ 1500m event

The Sri Lanka Boys' Medley Relay Team won Silver in the 400m relay event

Kaya Daluwatte (right) with the Gold and Silver medallists from China

From left: AYG Bahrain 2025 Deputy Chef de Mission – Sri Lanka Group Captain Nalin Wewakumbura, NOC Sri Lanka President Suresh Subramaniam, Sri Lanka Ambassador in Bahrain Shanika Dissanayake, AYG Bahrain 2025 Chef de Mission – Sri Lanka Rear Admiral Manjula Dissanayake, and NOC Sri Lanka Vice President Niloo Jayatilake

OCA Acting President Timothy Fok (right) handing over the flag to Uzbekistan Olympic Council President Umarov Otabek

SL team at opening ceremony

Samadhi Pabasara was placed 7th

Sri Lanka team at the closing ceremony

SL vs Bangladesh Basketball 3x3