Sri Lanka Synchronised swimming team for Asian Games

by Leslie Fernando

For the first time, Sri Lanka Synchronised Swimming team will represent the country at the Asian Games to be held in Doha, Qatar in December. The National Olympic Committee together with the Sports Ministry has granted approval for the team’s participation, according to Erandhi Perera, the Manager of the Synchronised Swimming Squad.

Synchronised Swimmers performances this year at two international meets have made the selectors include them in the Asian Games squad.

First they put up a fine display at the Open Competition conducted by Hong Kong Sports Federation held at the Kawloon Park swimming pool in May winning 2 gold medals, 1 silver and 3 bronze. The other success came at the Japan Open Championships in July, where they won a bronze medal in the team and routine competition.

Erandhi told the Sunday Observer that nine synchronised swimmers - Dohara Katipearachchi, Sisters Elisha and Shahli Gomes, Ruvini Illukumbura. Gayani Warnapura, Dilini Kithsiri, Hashani Warnapura, Deepthi Samarajeewa and Prasadhi Perera training under Karon Whitinge, Canadian who’s husband is based in Sri Lanka. Whitinge is the synchronised swimming coach.
The synchronised swimmers are training on week days at Otter Aquatic Club and SSC Pool and on Saturdays at the Sugathadasa Stadium pool.

The Sri Lanka Synchronised Swimming Team will participate in the Team and Routine Competition in Qatar.