Sri Lankans are not exempted from the collective joy as a nation to witness Olympic Medalists from Sri Lanka and anxiously anticipate the moment when Sri Lankan champions triumph on the global stage, motivating all with their achievements.
After the qualification period, it was officially announced that six Sri Lankan athletes obtained their golden spots at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France. The team includes athletes competing in Badminton, Swimming, and Track and Field events. The Games will take place from 26 July to 11 August 2024.
Competitors who will participate in the Olympics are Viren Nettasinghe in Badminton Men’s Singles event, Ganga Senavirathne and Kyle Abeysinghe in Swimming for events of Women’s 100m Backstroke and Men’s 100m Freestyle respectively. Three Athletes in Athletics, Tharushi Karunarathne, Nadeesha Lekamge and Aruna Darshana will represent Sri Lanka in the Women’s 800m event, Women’s Javelin Throw and Men’s 400m event respectively.
Viren Nettasinghe is currently 74th in the world and has qualified for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games to compete in the Badminton Men’s Singles event. This achievement also marks him as the youngest individual on the list to secure a direct qualification for this Olympic Games. Ganga Senavirathne has earned her place with an achievement of 688 FINA points. Meanwhile, Kyle Abeysinghe qualified with an impressive 776 FINA points. Nadeesha Dilhani Lekamge stands as the highest-ranked Sri Lankan athlete on the Paris Olympic Games ranking list, ranking 25th among the top 32 qualifiers. Tharushi Karunarathne, clinched a gold medal in the 800m at the 19th Asian Games, is ranked 44th among the top 48, qualifiers. Aruna Darshana, ranked 47th among the top 48 is the only male track athlete participating in the Olympics this year and the first athlete from Sri Lanka to qualify for the Olympic 400m event after 20 years.
MAS Holdings serves as the Official Clothing Partner of National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka for Paris 2024, providing uniforms that include tracksuits, t-shirts, shorts, and caps for the team. LOVI Ceylon serves as the Official Opening Ceremony Attire Partner of Team Sri Lanka for Paris 2024. MoraSpirit is on board to provide media support to team Sri Lanka in partnership with the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka will be represented by the above six athletes, eight officials and a chef-de-mission. The opening ceremony of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad will begin at 19:30 Paris time on 26 July 2024. The flag bearers of Sri Lanka national flag at the opening ceremony shall be Nadeesha Lekamge and Viren Nettasinghe.
Chef de Mission of Team Sri Lanka, Mr. Chandana Liyanage said, “I am thrilled to lead our talented athletes to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. This is a momentous occasion for our nation, showcasing our commitment to excellence in sports on the world stage. Our athletes have trained tirelessly, embodying the spirit of perseverance and dedication. We are confident in their ability to make Sri Lanka proud, inspiring future generations. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all supporters, coaches, and families who have contributed to this journey. Together, we aim for success and celebrate the unity and strength of Team Sri Lanka.” (Newswire)
