Southern Province felicitates veteran sprinter

Text and pic by P. D. De Silva

The Southern Province Ministry of Sports felicitated veteran sprint queen of K. G. Bhadra Gunawardena recently. Chief Minister of the Southern Provincial Council Shan Wijelal de Silva together with Provincial Minister of Sports Weerasumana Weerasinghe presented her with a plaque in appreciation of the glory she brought to the province as well as to the nation.

Even as a student of Sangamiththa Balika Vidyalaya, Galle, Bhadra excelled in the 100, 200 and 400 metre events. She brought glory to her country by winning nine Gold medals at the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games. The national records she set for these three events stood for two decades. She was named the champion as well as the most popular athlete in 1968 and 1969.