In an amazing feat for Sri Lankan diving, 24-year-old Dulanjan Fernando has set a new national record in the 3m springboard diving event at the CAMO International Invitation Plongeon in Montreal, Canada, held from November 30 to December 3. This achievement is not only a big win for Fernando but also got him recognized by the prestigious World Aquatics, making him the third Sri Lankan diver to get such global recognition.
Dulanjan, a former diver from Royal College, scored an impressive 288 points in the 3m springboard event, breaking the previous national record of 247 points set by Janaka Biyanwala in 1996. Biyanwala, who was also from Royal College, was the last Sri Lankan diver to represent the country in the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympics.
Dulanjan’s outstanding performance not only broke the national record but also surpassed the World Aquatic Championship qualification mark of 250 points. This means he has now secured his spot in the Doha World Aquatic Championship scheduled for February 2024.
Speaking from Toronto, Dulanjan expressed his joy, saying, “I am actually happy. I want to keep diving in a higher place in the world. I want to get into 300-350 points and place among the top 30 in the world.”
The CAMO International Competition featured top diving nations like the USA, Italy, Sweden, Germany, Canada, and Mexico. Dulanjan faced stiff competition in the 3m springboard event, competing against the world’s top 18 athletes. He qualified for the finals as the eighth diver with an impressive score of 230 points in the first round.
In the final, Dulanjan’s stellar performance earned him 288 points, securing the national record and an impressive sixth-place finish. His journey to this achievement started when he was the national champion in diving in Sri Lanka before leaving the country in 2021 for higher studies in Melbourne, Australia, at the age of 20.
While studying sports science at Deakin University in Melbourne, Dulanjan rediscovered his passion for diving due to the excellent facilities available. In just two years, he not only qualified for the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games but also reached the finals, earning him a scholarship from the World Aquatics on June 1, 2023. This scholarship, valid until August 31, 2024, further acknowledges his talent and potential.
Dulanjan Fernando’s remarkable journey, from giving up the sport in 2018 in Sri Lanka to reclaiming his place among the diving elite in 2020 in Melbourne, is evidence of his dedication and resilience in the face of challenges.
