Lankan athletes in need of local endorsement in novel sporting disciplines to vie for global recogni

A younger generation of Sri Lankan athletes are taking on more unconventional and novel sporting disciplines that are bringing global recognition to the country, but most of them are self-funded since they lack financial support to take their passion forward.

The latest such self-motivated success story comes in the form young powerlifter Dhanushka Kodikara, a gold medallist at the 2015 Commonwealth Powerlifting Championships in Canada. Kodikara represented Sri Lanka at the 2016 World Open Powerlifting Championships organised by the International Powerlifting Federation in Orlando, Florida, US in mid-November, the first time Sri Lanka was represented at a competition of such a global scale, with the participation of 43 powerlifting countries. Kodikara went into the tournament ranked 24th in the world in the 93 kg category and successfully completed his 2016 season ranked 13th at the World Championships. 

“Powerlifting is a sport that is rapidly going viral globally and we need all the support we can get in Sri Lanka to strengthen our efforts to compete on the world stage,” Kodikara said. “My passion is what kept me going and thankfully now I have a nutrition partner from Sri Lanka through Calorie Counter. What we would like to see is other businesses and corporates stepping up to support us because through such partnerships, our success too has become more evident.”

Having pioneered the health food option for health-conscious Sri Lankans, Calorie Counter has launched a bid to encourage and support this new wave of emerging athletes by sponsoring them as their Nutritional Partner, demonstrating the significance of a healthy diet and healthier lifestyle that athletes need. “What excites us about these athletes is their dedication to their sporting disciplines,” Calorie Counter Founder Duaine Peiris commented. “While congratulating Dhanushka on his global recognition, we are also thrilled to announce the sponsorship of our second athlete, Muay Thai boxer Kumudu Prasanna. 2017 is looking very promising for these athletes, and Calorie Counter will keep supporting them and many others in their journey to global recognition.” Horana resident Prasanna, a 29-year-old labourer, has mastered the art of the Thai national sport Muay Thai under the guidance of his coach Asoka Jayaratne of the Muay Thai Association of Sri Lanka. Through sheer determination and skill, Prasanna has thus far participated in three international championships in 2016 and won in his 60 kg weight category, including the Hua Hin Grand Championships in Thailand. He will be representing Sri Lanka once again on 2 December at the last international tournament before the Max Muay Thai Pattaya tournament in which he will participate, scheduled to be held towards mid-December. 

“It was easier for us that Calorie Counter already knew how to create and sponsor a nutrition plan for Kumudu as they already do the same for our national cricket and rugby teams,” Coach Jayaratne stated. “We are extremely thankful that they have recognised these athletes as the underdogs who can make a great leap and win their nation glory. Calorie Counter helps recognise these new faces and gives them a name, gives them a brand.”

 “Two weeks before the 2016 World Open Powerlifting Championships, I had absolutely no way to go to the US or participate in the competition,” Kodikara explained. “I never expected anyone to step up, but Calorie Counter did. I am truly blessed and privileged to have represented Sri Lanka at a World Championship and look forward to the next year.”

Coach Jayaratne reiterates, “Now we are able to focus on important matters rather than worry about sponsorships thanks to Calorie Counter. Now our target is going for a 2020 Olympic medal.”