Gayanthika , Indunil keep Sri Lankan medal hopes alive

By Hishan Welmilla in Ashgabat

Indunil Herath and Gayanthika Abeyrathna kept Sri Lanka’s medal hopes alive at the 5th Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games 2017 when they progressed to the next stage of the men’s and women’s 800 metre events after  finishing first in their heats in Ashgabat yesterday.

Herath booked his place in the semifinals of the men’s 800 metres and Abeyrathna progressed to the finals of the women’s 800 metres. 

Herath ran the second heat of the event and finished first with a time of 1 minute 53.78 seconds to book his place in the semifinals yesterday. This is a new Sri Lankan Indoor record for the event and Herath surpassed his previous best time in the event (1.57.76 seconds) which was a national record outdoor timing as well.

Herath, who ran in the second lane, was challenged by Khurshidjon Akhmadaliev from Uzbekistan who finished second with a time of 1 minute 54.22 seconds but the Sri Lankan managed to keep his momentum till the end and cross the line with ease at the end. Jamal Hairane of Qatar finished third with a time of 1 minute 54.54 seconds to book his place in the semifinals. 

Herath will compete once again in the semifinals, which will be worked off today (19) at 6.45 p.m. (7.15 p.m. Sri Lanka time). The Sri Lankan is very confident that he can get his name into the final start list.

“It’s good to record a very good time in the heats and it’s certainly built the confidence to move forward. I hope I can take a medal home,” said Herath after finishing his event.

If Herath makes it into the finals he will run for his medal on 20 September at 7.10 p.m. (7.40 p.m. Sri Lanka time).

Abeyrathna competed in the first heat of the women’s 800 metres event and finished the race as the winner with a time of 2 minutes and 12.93 seconds, leaving behind her closest contender Arina Kleshchukova of Kyrgyzstan. Arina finished second with a time of 2 minutes 14.10 seconds. Zulfizar Abdullaeva of Uzbekistan came in third with a time of 2 minutes and 17.39 seconds.

National recordholder Abeyrathna’s best timing was recorded at 2 minutes and 02.55 seconds at an outdoor event and she believes she can record a better timing and a medal in the finals.

“I think I have to face a stiff challenge in the finals. But I am confident that I can improve my timing and have a podium finish and bring honour to Sri Lanka,” Abeyrathna said soon after the race.

Abeyrathna will run for her medal on 20 September. The women’s 800 metres finals will be held at 6.55 p.m. (7.25 p.m. Sri Lankan time).

Himasha and Vidusha in action today

Himasha Eashan, the national record in the men’s 100 metres, will be in action in the men’s 60 metres while Vidusha Lakshani will try her best in the women’s triple jump today (19).

The heats of the men’s 60 metres will commence at 9.50 a.m. (10.20 a.m. Sri Lankan time). The women’s triple jump competition will be a straight final and it will get underway at 5.00 p.m. (5.30 p.m. Sri Lanka time).

Wrestling

Charles Fernando (57 kg), Chamara Perera (65 kg) and Suthija Maduranga (74 kg) were in action as the men’s wrestling event was worked off on Monday (18).

Taekwondo 

Anura Bandara, who competed in the men’s 54 kg category, met Turkmenistan’s Isanberdi Gulamow and lost the fight 21 points to 17. The 2016 Goa Bronze Medallist took the first round 9-3. But the local player capitalised from the second round by taking it 7-4 and kept his momentum to take the third 11-4 to the delight of his hometown crowd. 

The next Sri Lankan in action will be Sampath Liyanage, who competes in the 68 kg category. He will fight against Serdar Caryyew who is also from Turkmenistan. The fight is to take place on 21 September.