Sri Lankan athletes delivered a stellar performance at the Thailand Open Athletics Championship, securing three gold medals yesterday (June 21) in the men’s 5000m, men’s 800m, and women’s 800m events.
This impressive medal tally brings Sri Lanka’s total to six golds, four silvers, and one bronze at the competition so far.
In the men’s 5000m, Viknaraj Voksan, representing Sri Lanka, clinched the gold medal with a timing of 14 minutes and 4.56 seconds. Notably, he had already earned a silver medal earlier in the 1500m event, making this his second podium finish at the championship.
Rusiru Chathuranga continued his dominance in the middle-distance events by winning gold in the men’s 800m with a time of 1 minute and 50.01 seconds. He had earlier triumphed in the 1500m, making it his second gold medal at the tournament.
In the women’s 800m, seasoned runner Nimali Liyanarachchi powered through to take gold, finishing in 2 minutes and 10.46 seconds, maintaining her reputation as one of Sri Lanka’s top middle-distance athletes.
Adding to the silver tally, Ayomal Akalanka earned second place in the men’s 400m hurdles, finishing the race in 50.75 seconds.
Sri Lanka’s athletics team has shown immense promise and determination throughout the championship, and their medal count is expected to rise as more events unfold in the coming days.
