COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – Asian International School (AIS), a forerunner among the international schools in rowing in Sri Lanka, is making headlines once again as three of its top rowers prepare to represent Sri Lanka at the prestigious Asian Rowing Indoor Championships, organized by the Malaysian Rowing Association in collaboration with the Asian Rowing Federation, scheduled to take place in Penang, Malaysia, from August 10 to 11.
The announcement of these elite rowers was made by the Executive Committee of the Amateur Rowing Association of Sri Lanka (ARASL). Representing Sri Lanka will be three standout athletes from AIS: Shaylon Gunaratne, Shivanedra Goonewardena, and Venuk Panduwawala. All three competitors are from the Under-17 age category and have been recognized for their exceptional performance in the sport.
Shaylon Gunaratne, the Asian Coastal Rowing gold medalist, has garnered significant attention for his exceptional achievements. Last year, Gunaratne made an impact at the Asian Coastal Rowing Championship in Thailand, where he clinched a gold medal in the Single Scull event and a bronze in the Mixed Double Scull. These victories were historic for Sri Lanka, marking the first medals won by the country at the Asian level.
Gunaratne’s top-notch performance has made him a key contender and a future Olympic prospect for Sri Lanka, according to rowing experts. His pivotal role in the recent victory for the Colombo Rowing Club at the historic Madras-Colombo Regatta further highlights his growing prominence in the sport.
The ARASL announced, “We are pleased to inform you that the following athletes qualified as per the entry and selection criteria to participate in the Asian Rowing Indoor Championships 2024 to be held in Penang, Malaysia, on August 10 and 11 at the Selection Trial held at the Sri Lanka Rowing Headquarters, Diyawanna Rowing Centre in Battaramulla.”
The championships will see participation from a different range of countries, including Malaysia, Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, Iran, and Iraq. The event is set to be hosted at Straits Quay Retail Marina in Penang, Malaysia, and is considered one of the most celebrated indoor rowing championships in Asia, sanctioned by the Asian Rowing Federation.
