Colombo, Jan 2, Tue – In the shimmering waters of Sri Lanka’s swimming stage, Mihith Ekneligoda, the wonder boy from Ananda College, has unveiled his potential as a rising star during the recently concluded Sri Lanka National Swimming Championship held at the Hillwood College Swimming Pool Complex in Kandy.
In an extraordinary debut at the Junior National Swimming Championship, Under-15 Ekneligoda, competing in nine events, including relays, securing a dazzling collection of eight gold medals and one silver medal.
The standout moment of Ekneligoda’s performance was winning eight gold medals out of nine events and claiming one silver during the five-day competition. What makes this achievement remarkable is his breaking of seven Junior National records in nine events, a feat unprecedented in Sri Lanka’s swimming history at the Nationals and a milestone for junior swimmers.
In the individual events, Ekneligoda showcased his skill by clinching four individual gold medals in the 50m backstroke, 50m butterfly, 100m backstroke, and 200m backstroke. Adding to the triumph, he secured a silver medal while surpassing the previous Junior National Record in the 100m Individual Medley. Remarkably, teenage Ekneligoda set new Junior National Records in all four relay events, earning an incredible four more gold medals.
In the backstroke events, Ekneligoda ranked as the second-highest performer overall, combining both senior and junior categories, with only Olympic swimmer 27-year-old Matthew Abeysinghe ahead. In the 50m butterfly, he secured the third position in the overall tournament, underlining the promising career trajectory that lies ahead.
Ekneligoda’s swimming journey began at a young age at CH Swimming Academy, excelling even in the Under-10 category. He consistently showcased his talent at the Sri Lanka Schools Swimming Championships and National Age Group Swimming Championships, achieving champion status in each age group. Last year, he claimed the Under-14 Champion title with two Junior National Records at the Sri Lanka School Swimming Championship.
Hailing from a family with a rich sports legacy, Ekneligoda’s mother, Anusha Kariyawasam, is a former South Asian Games silver medalist, holding Sri Lanka records in women’s long jump and triple jump. His father, Prabhath Ekneligoda, a former National Javelin Throw Champion, currently serves as the Head Coach of the Italian Women’s Cricket Team. Ekneligoda’s elder brother, Maneth Ekneligoda, based in the UK, actively supports his sporting endeavors, along with his parents.
Guided by the expertise of Coach Chamara Waduge at the CH Swimming Academy, Mihith Ekneligoda has dedicated himself to swimming since the tender age of 4. From then until now, Coach Waduge has played a pivotal role in shaping not only Mihith’s swimming techniques but also his distinctive style. The private swimming academy has been a nurturing ground for Mihith’s growth in the pool, highlighting the significance of the coach’s influence on his journey.
With the mentorship of Ananda College Head Coach Nishantha Kumarapperuma, Ekneligoda’s swimming skills have been finely tuned. His outstanding achievements in the Junior category, amassing an impressive 29 points, crowned him as the Junior National Champion. Notably, even the Senior National Champion Kyle Abeysinghe, securing 25 points, trailed behind Ekneligoda, securing the second position in the overall points list.
Mihith Ekneligoda’s remarkable achievements and promising potential have positioned him as a standout figure in Sri Lanka’s swimming arena, captivating the community with his aquatic prowess and setting the stage for a bright future in the sport.
