SL eye for improved performance at Asian GP-2nd leg

After winning four medals in the first edition of the Asian Grand Prix at Jiangjin in Chongqing, China, the Sri Lanka team will be in action at a different venue in the same province in the 2nd edition of the Asian Grand Prix 2019 on Friday.

During the first edition, quarter miler Nadeesha Ramanayaka (53.24), 800m runners Nimali Liyanarachchi (2:03.17) and Gayanthika Abeyrathne (2:03.59) won two Silver medals and a Bronze medal respectively, clocking impressive times. The times clocked during the first leg could have earned all three of them medals during the Asian Championship in April; but they failed to do so and are now determined to make their mark during the Asian Grand Prix.

The other Bronze medalist, Sumedha Ranasinghe threw the javelin only 76.92m and will be aiming to go beyond the 80m mark during this leg. Men’s 400m runner Ajith Premakumara clocked his season’s best at 46.69 seconds in the 400m but only managed to finish in fourth place, and he is aiming for a podium finish on Friday.

Triple jumper Greshan Dhananjaya is suffering from an ankle injury and is doubtful for Friday’s competition. He set a Sri Lankan record with a 16.71m leap earlier this year and managed to jump beyond 16m, but it was not enough for a podium finish and he will have to leap at least close to his personal best to win a medal.

Rusiru Chathuranga was suffering from fever during the first leg and the end result was disappointing in the Men’s 800m, but he will surely give an impressive performance on Friday.

High jumper Dulanjali Ranasinghe and shot putter Tharika Kumudumali Fernando will have to at least get into their personal best if they are to make the podium in their respective events.

Sri Lanka has won a total of 46 Gold, 53 Silver and 51 Bronze medals in the Asian Grand Prix’s history, including the medals won during the 1st leg of this year’s edition.

The same schedule will apply for the competition as the previous one.

Schedule

4.00 PM – Women’s Shot Put (Tharika)

4.10 PM – Men’s Triple Jump (Greshan)

4.30 PM – Men’s Javelin Throw (Sumedha)

5.20 PM – Women’s 800m (Nimali and Gayanthika)

5.30 PM – Men’s 800m (Rusiru)

5.55 PM – Women’s 400m (Nadeesha)

6.00 PM – Women’s High Jump (Dulanjali)

6.15 PM – Men’s 400m (Ajith)