Sri Lanka recorded an outstanding achievement by winning two gold medals at the 3rd Asian Youth Para Games (AYPG), currently being held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
The tournament commenced on November 10, with Sri Lanka represented by an eight-member, highly talented team competing under the T20 category, led by Viruj Senila Ratnavardhana, who represented the 400m event. The Sri Lankan contingent departed the island on December 7, 2025.
Sri Lanka competed across several disciplines and disability categories, including Para Athletics (3 male athletes and 1 female athlete), Para Table Tennis (2 male athletes), and Para Badminton (2 male athletes).
More than 35 Asian nations took part in this year’s AYPG, which featured 11 sporting disciplines, namely:
Para Archery, Para Arm Wrestling, Para Athletics, Para Badminton, Boccia, Goalball, Para Powerlifting, Para Swimming, Para Table Tennis, Para Taekwondo, and Wheelchair Basketball.
The Sri Lankan delegation comprised 16 members, including athletes and coaching staff.
The highlight of Sri Lanka’s campaign came through Sirisenage Dilmini Udumbara Gamage, who delivered a gold-medal double by winning two gold medals in the Discus Throw and Javelin Throw events, bringing great pride to the nation.
Udumbara Gamage is a Grade 12 student of Sir John Kotelawala Maha Vidyalaya, Kurunegala, and is coached by the school’s Sports Master, Mr. Athula Seneviratne.
This remarkable performance stands as a testament to the growing strength and potential of Sri Lanka’s youth para-athletes on the international stage.