Dialog powers Sri Lankan Para athletes to IPC World Championships in Doha

(From left) National Paralympics Committee Secretary Colonel M. Raja Gunasekera and National Paralympics Committee President U. R. Rodrigo receiving sponsorship cheque from Dialog Axiata PLC Group Chief Executive Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya and Dialog Axiata PLC Group Chief Marketing Officer Amali Nanayakkara as Minister of Sports Dayasiri Jayasekara (centre) looks on

By Hishan Welmilla

Sri Lanka’s premier telecommunication provider – Dialog – has stepped forward with a sponsorship package for the Sri Lankan Paralympics contingent for the International Paralympics World Championships in Doha Qatar.

The presentation of the sponsorship took place at the Sports Ministry Auditorium in the presence of Minister of Sports Dayasiri Jayasekara and Dialog Group Chief Executive Dr. Hans Wijayasuriya.

The World Para Athletic Championship will be held from 21-31 October in Doha, Qatar. The Sri Lankan team will take wing to the World Para Athletics Championship on 20 October.

Six Sri Lankan will be in action in this year’s competition. Prasanna Jayalath (T-42 100m, 200m), Indika Chuladasa (100m, 200m), Chaminda Sampath Hettiarachchi (Javelin Throw), Dinesh Priyantha Herath (Javelin Throw), Dumeera Maduranga (100m, 200m, Long Jump), Amara Indumathi (100m, 200m, Long Jump) will represent Sri Lanka. Officials traveling with the contingent will be Col. Deepal Herath (Manager), Rohitha Fernando (Coach) U.R. Rodrigo (President -National Paralympics Committee) and Col. Raja Gunasekara (Secretary – National Paralympics Committee)

Over 1,400 athletes from 100 countries are set to compete in 214 medal events in Doha, which will be held in the 12,000 capacity Suhaim Bin Hamam stadium in the Qatar Sports Club.

Competition Schedule for Sri Lankans

•  Prasanna Jayalath and Indika Chuladasa – (T-42)

100m – Semifinal – 9:38 – 25/10

Final – 19:29 – Same day

200m – Semifinal – 20:10 – 27/10

Final – 17:24 – 28/10

•    Dumeera Maduranga – (T-44)

Long jump – Final – 16:04 – 23/10

200m – Semifinal – 21:04 – 24/10

Final – 16:21– 25/10

100m – Semifinal – 11:54 – 29/10

Final – 18:18 – Same day

•  Amara Indumathi – (T-47)

Long jump – Final – 19:13 – 23/10

200m – Semifinal – 20:14 – 27/10

Final – 17:24 – 28/10

•     Dinesh Priyannatha Herath – (F-46)

Javelin – Final – 16:05 – 27/10

•     Chaminda Sampath Hettiarachchi – (F- 44)

Javelin – Final – 20:30 – 30/10

Relay – T-42

•     Anil Prasannn Jayalath, Indika Chuladasa, Dumeera Maduranga, Dinesh Priyantha Herath

Final – 17:46 – 31/10