Dialog powers Sri Lanka Paralympics contingent to 4th Asian Para Games 2022

Friday, 13 October 2023 00:48 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Dialog Axiata Group Chief of Risk and Compliance, Group Risk, Compliance and Sustainability

Asanga Priyadarshana handing over the sponsorship cheque to National Paralympic Committee President Lt. Col. Deepal Hearth. Others (from left): Dialog Axiata Brand and Media, Group Marketing Vice President Harsha Samaranayake and National Paralympic Committee General Secretary Kanchana Pradeepa de Silva

Sri Lanka’s premier connectivity provider Dialog Axiata PLC, powers a 26-member-strong athletic contingent led by Javelin star, Dinesh Priyantha Herath, leaving Sri Lankan shores on 16 October for the Asian Para Games 2022 that will be held in Hangzhou China from 20-28 October.

There will be more than 4,000+ athletes from 43+ Asian countries vying for medals in about 20+ sporting disciplines whilst Sri Lanka will be competing in eight sports disciplines that will include Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Powerlifting, Rowing, Swimming, Table Tennis, and Wheelchair Tennis.

At the previous Asian Games held in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2018, the Lankan Para Athletes secured 15 medals including 6 Gold medals and it is hoped that this year the Para Team will better the previous medal tally and increase it up to more than 20 in Hangzhou China.

The flag bearer for the 26-member-strong team, Dinesh Priyantha Herath will compete in the F46 Javelin, whilst Samitha Dulan will take part in F44 Javelin. Palitha Bandara will line up in F42 Shot Put and Maduranga Subasinghe will compete in the T47 400M. Kumudu Priyanka will take part in T45/46 100M, Long Jump, and Ranjan Darmasena will be serving for the country in Wheelchair Tennis, whilst Sampath Bandara and Mahash Jayakody will aim for medals in Archery and Rowing and the up-and-coming new swimming star Galina Basnayake too is tipped to win a Gold Medal.

Lt. Col. Deepal Herath, the Chef de Mission of the Sri Lanka contingent said, “Sri Lankan Paralympians have performed admirably by winning consecutive medals during the last three Asian games in China, Korea and Indonesia. Despite restrictions to training due to the economic crisis, the team has worked hard to do what it takes to climb the podium and hence we are confident in securing more Medals in Hangzhou.”

“I would also like to thank our principal sponsor, Dialog Axiata PLC who has been a strong, encouraging, and long-term partner of sports for the persons with disabilities in Sri Lanka and whose tireless efforts at the national and international stage have helped our athletes to bring glory to the country,” Lt. Col. Herath further said.

Dialog Axiata PLC is the proud sponsor of the Sri Lanka National Volleyball, Netball, and Esports teams. The company also has a close association with the President’s Gold Cup Volleyball, National Junior and Senior Netball tourneys, Schools Rugby, Sri Lanka Golf Open, and Paralympic sports by powering the Army Para Games, National Para Games, and the Sri Lankan contingent to the World Paralympic Games.