The Sri Lankan Youth Athletics team, who brought immense pride to the motherland by winning a total of 08 medals—including 02 Gold, 02 Silver, and 04 Bronze medals—and securing the 08th position in the overall medal tally ahead of many powerful Asian nations at the 2026 Asian U20 Athletics Championship held in Hong Kong, arrived at the Bandaranaike International Airport, Katunayake, today (02) at 06:10 AM via flight UL 885.

On the directives of the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage, a delegation of high-ranking ministry officials visited the airport to officially welcome the victorious athletes. Representing the Minister, his Private Secretary Mr. Darshana Waragoda, Director of Development Mr. M.A.B. Dilum Dayaratne, and Assistant Sports Director Mr. W.G.M. Thushara, among other officials, participated in the welcome ceremony.

Mr. Bimal Wijayasinghe, President of Sri Lanka Athletics, also attended the occasion, alongside a large gathering including parents, family members, and well-wishers of the winning athletes who filled the airport premises.

Medal Winners for Sri Lanka:

Gold Medals: Tarushi Abhisheka (Women’s 1500m – 04:31.41 mins), Ransini Perera (Women’s 200m – 24.07 secs)

Silver Medals: Tarusha Mendis (Men’s High Jump – 2.14m), Nethsara Dineth (Men’s 800m – 01:49.22 mins)

Bronze Medals: Sadeve Raja Karuna (Men’s 200m – 21.13 secs), Mihinsa Abeyratne (Women’s High Jump – 1.72m), Tarushi Abhisheka (Women’s 800m – 02:07.97 mins), and the 4x400m Mixed Relay Team.

The historic achievements of these young athletes mark a tremendous stepping stone toward elevating the future of Sri Lankan athletics onto the highest echelons of the international sporting arena. The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports extends its utmost respect and gratitude to all the young athletes who brought glory to the nation, their dedicated coaches, as well as the supportive parents standing firmly behind them.