Colombo, Jan 21, 11.55AM – Hiruni Imesha, a formidable member of the Sri Lanka Army, has once again claimed the title of National Judo Champion for the second successive year. The 60th Judo National Championship, concluding at the Sugathadasa Stadium last week, witnessed Imesha’s stellar performance as she effortlessly clinched two individual gold medals and a silver medal in a team event.
Imesha’s gold medal victories, particularly in the over 78kg weight category where she faced no competition, showcased her dominance. In the Open category, she secured another gold, earning her the distinguished title of the Best Player in the competition. Complementing her individual achievements, Imesha added a silver medal in a team event, contributing to an impressive overall display.
Coach Kumara Leemagastenne, the Sri Lanka Army Judo Coach, praised Imesha as the best women’s player in the country and highlighted her Olympic-worthy potential. He noted, “Imesha is the best women player in Sri Lanka. The only thing she lacks is overseas tournament exposure; she is more than capable of competing in the Olympics. She has never faced a challenge from any weight class and has been working hard in training.”
The Sri Lanka Army showcased judo supremacy by securing both the Men’s and Women’s National Championship titles for the seventh consecutive year. The women’s team demonstrated collective talent by securing an impressive five gold medals, three silver medals, and three bronze medals.
Imesha, a 24-year-old judo prodigy and alumna of Sri Mollipathana Sinhala Maha Vidyalaya in Kantale, joined the Sri Lanka Army in 2018, with her judo journey commencing in 2010 during her school years.
Her accolades include All Island first places, a third-place finish in the 2019 Open Championship, top honors in her weight class, and a bronze medal in the 2017 National Sports Festival. Imesha also earned a bronze medal in the 2019 South Asian Games in Nepal and participated in prestigious events like the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games, the 2018 and 2019 Thailand Judo Championships, and the 2021 World Defence Judo Championship.
Expressing her aspirations, Imesha shared, “I hope to do my very best in my sport and aim to represent Sri Lanka at the Olympics.” Grateful for the unwavering support from the Sri Lanka Army, Imesha emphasized the assistance provided by Coach Kumara Leemagastenne, assistant coaches, and officials from both the Sri Lanka Army and the Sri Lanka Army Judo Committee.
Acknowledging her roots, Imesha mentioned her elder sister Rashani Nilushika’s involvement in judo during school, with her first coach being Harshani Perera. She expressed gratitude to her parents, two elder sisters, and two younger brothers, thanking everyone who supports her athletic journey. As Imesha continues to shine on the judo mat, her eyes are set on future victories and the prospect of representing her country on the Olympic stage.
