COLOMBO, Oct 9 (ePRESS) – Sri Lanka’s top gymnastics trio is preparing to flip, twist, and vault onto the world stage at the 53rd Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia, from October 19 to 25.
Leading the team are three-time national champion Nadila Nethviru and current women’s national champion Nuyara Fernando, along with Thenuka Navaratne. The team will depart the island on Wednesday, October 15.
Nadila Nethviru, 20, from St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena, has dominated men’s gymnastics at the national level, winning three consecutive titles. He made history by becoming the first Sri Lankan male gymnast to reach the semifinals at the 2023 Asian Games. “We have worked really hard to get back to our rhythm after the coaching changes. My goal is to perform cleanly in every event and show that Sri Lanka belongs among Asia’s best,” Nethviru said.
Sixteen-year-old Nuyara Fernando of Lyceum International School, Nugegoda, is the reigning women’s national champion and currently ranked number one in South Asia in all-arounding.
Having previously represented Sri Lanka at the 2024 Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships, she is eager to make an impact on the international stage. “It feels so good to be back under Coach Tharanga. His guidance gives me a lot of confidence before the World Championships,” Nuyara said.
Thenuka Navaratne, 20, from Dharmaraja College, Kandy, brings consistency and strong apparatus control to the team. Coached by Amal Rasanga, he also represented Sri Lanka at the 2024 Asian Championships. “This is a huge opportunity for us as a team. We want to compete with confidence and show our best skills,” Thenuka said.
The trio will be accompanied by former national champion and FIG WAG Category 3 Judge Amaya Kalukottage, who will serve as a judge during the championships. Team Manager Mrs. H.M. Chamila Nadee Herath will oversee the delegation, while Head Coach Ranjana Tharanga provides strategic guidance to keep the athletes focused under pressure.
Fact Box – Sri Lanka Team at the 53rd Artistic Gymnastics World Championships (Jakarta 2025)
Nuyara Nisindi Fernando (16) – Lyceum International School, Nugegoda; Women’s National Champion 2024; Two-time Asian Artistic Gymanstic Championship representative (2024, 2025); Ranked No.1 in South Asia (all-round).
Nadila Nethviru (20) – St. Benedict’s College; Men’s National Champion (2022–2024); Semifinalist at the 2023 Asian Games; Former Asian Championship participant.
Thenuka Navaratne (20) – Dharmaraja College, Kandy; Represented Sri Lanka at the 2024 Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships; Coach: Amal Rasanga.
Coach: Ranjana Tharanga – National coach who produced Sri Lanka’s first Olympic gymnast.
Standing (from left): Amaya Kalukottage (FIG WAG Judge Cat 3), Thenuka Bandara Navaratne (MAG gymnast), Nadila Nethviru (MAG gymnast, three-time national champion), Nuyara Fernando (WAG gymnast, current national champion).
