Fifteen medals possible for Sri Lanka

by Leslie Fernando in Islamabad

AQUATIC SPORT: It is possible for us to win 15 medals in the open events of the 1st South Asia Swimming and Waterpolo Championships. However it is the Age Group category where competition is very stiff that there will be no room for complacency.

The swimmers will have to fight all the way in their endeavour to get even diplomas leave alone medals; said Swimming Head Coach Ruwan Manawadu. The meet will be held at Jinnah Sports Complex, Islamabad 3rd to 8th.

According to coach Manawadu the swimmers have been training hard during the last couple of weeks under their respective coaches and have improved their timings tremendously and some of the swimmers have gone over the qualifying times on numerous occasions.

The Sri Lanka swimming coach said after the experience gained by the Sri Lanka swimmers at the 10th South Asian Games, there is every possibility of the swimmers (open events) gaining more medals, even though the competition will be tough.

Three of Sri Lanka's ace swimmers Andrew Abeysinghe, Daniel Lee and Mayumi Raheem will not be competing at the 1st South Asia Swimming Championships to be held from tomorrow (Monday) to September 8. Both Andrew in USA and Daniel in Australia are studying and training meanwhile Mayumi is nursing an injury and she is recovering now.

All three swimmers were invited by SLAS to swim in Pakistan. India as usual will dominate with competition coming from Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Swimming captain Heshan Unamboowe, Dasun Perera, Gayan Samarakoon, Yahan Samarajeewa, C. B. Wickremasinghe, E. M. K. Fernando, Ashene Fernando, Miniruwani Samarakoon, Mineka Karunaratne, Methma Jayawardene and Chamara Kudabalage would figure prominently here.

Meanwhile waterpolo coach Mahinda Liyanage is equally confident with his players. Sri Lanka waterpolo team will however will win a medal.

Sri Lanka contingent comprises 39 swimmers and 13 waterpolo players and 14 officials. Five Sri Lankans will be officiating.