COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – The three-member rowing team from Asian International School (AIS) emerged as a dominant force at the recent Asian Indoor Rowing Championship, held in Penang, Malaysia. This 11-nation event saw AIS secure a significant portion of the medals, stabilizing their reputation as a leading international school in rowing in Sri Lanka.
Out of the 25 medals won by Sri Lanka, the AIS trio captured seven, including two gold medals by captain Shaylon Gunaratne and one gold medal by Venuk Panduwawala. Gunaratne, who had previously made history by securing Sri Lanka’s first gold medal at the Asian Coastal Rowing Championship last year, continued his impressive streak by winning two gold medals at this two-day competition.
In the Under-17 age group, Gunaratne excelled in both the 2000m and 500m events, claiming individual gold medals in both. Additionally, he partnered with fellow AIS student Shivanedra Goonewardana to win silver in the 2000m men’s Under-17 pair event. Venuk Panduwawala also contributed to the gold haul, winning in the Boys 2000m Under-17 pair event.
The AIS team also earned two silver medals: one by Shivanedra Goonewardana and Shaylon Gunaratne in the 2000m men’s Under-17 pair event, and another by Venuk Panduwawala in the Under-19 4X500m mixed event.
The success of the AIS rowing team is a proof to the support and guidance provided by AIS Principal Harshana Perera and Head of Sports Ms. Nihara Bagoos. Their leadership was instrumental in preparing the athletes for one of Asia’s premier rowing events. The team’s achievements not only brought glory to Sri Lanka but also secured them a notable third place in the overall standings, surpassing competitors from India and Pakistan to become the South Asia’s best rowing team.
AIS Rowing Coach Sanjeewa Guruge, along with TIC Ms. Gimhani Gamage and Assistant Rowing Coach Dilshani Kulandrika, played crucial roles in shaping the team’s success. Their dedication and expertise were pivotal in helping the athletes reach this level of excellence.
The 11-nation Asian Indoor Rowing Championship in Penang, Malaysia, brought together top rowing teams from across Asia. Participating countries included Thailand, South Korea, Hong Kong, India, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, Iran, and Iraq. This diverse and competitive event displayed the best of Asian rowing talent.
Thailand claimed the overall championship with 37 medals, including 18 gold, 14 silver, and 5 bronze. Host nation Malaysia secured the runner-up position with 15 gold, 16 silver, and 11 bronze medals, totaling 42. Other medalists included Saudi Arabia with 21 medals (nine gold, seven silver, five bronze), India with 19 medals (eight gold, seven silver, four bronze), Pakistan with 14 medals (five gold, five silver, four bronze), Iran with nine medals (five gold, two silver, two bronze), Iraq with eight medals (five gold, two silver, one bronze), South Korea with five medals (two gold, two silver, one bronze), Hong Kong with two gold medals, and Kuwait with four silver medals.
This powerful performance in indoor rowing is expected to enhance the athletes’ physical development, giving Sri Lanka a solid foundation for upcoming events like the still water Asian Rowing Championships and the Asian Coastal Rowing Championships, where AIS athletes are set to compete.
