COLOMBO, Sri Lanka, August 15, 2025 (ePRESS) – Asian International School’s (AIS) top swimmer, Christina Perumal, has brought glory to her alma mater after being named among just five female swimmers selected to represent Sri Lanka at the prestigious World Aquatics Junior Swimming Championships, to be held from August 19 to 24 at the Otopeni Sports Centre in Bucharest, Romania.
The 18-year-old breststroke specialist will compete alongside four other elite girls and a nine-member boys’ squad, who departed Sri Lanka in the early hours of Friday, brimming with anticipation for the six-day championship that will see the world’s best junior swimmers in action.
Adding a special touch to her journey, Perumal will be guided in Romania by none other than Matthew Abeysinghe, the country’s most decorated swimmer, a double Olympian and a proud alumnus of AIS himself, will now see one of his own protégés follow in his international footsteps.
AIS holds a unique place in Sri Lanka’s sporting history as the only school to have produced multiple Olympic swimmers for the nation, with illustrious alumni including Matthew Abeysinghe, his brother Kyle Abeysinghe, and Kimiko Raheem, all of whom have proudly carried the Sri Lankan flag at the Olympic Games.
Perumal’s selection came through the rigorous Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU) trials, which required female swimmers to surpass 550 FINA points. Her consistent performances placed her firmly among the top five junior girls in the country, earning her a coveted spot on the national team.
“This is a dream come true,” Perumal said before departure. “To wear the national colours and race against the best in the world is a huge honour. I’m proud to represent both Sri Lanka and Asian International School.”
For AIS, Perumal’s achievement reinforces the school’s commitment to fostering all-round excellence. Over the years, AIS has invested in high-quality coaching, facilities, and a competitive sports culture that has produced champions across multiple disciplines. Her journey from school pool sessions to the international arena showcases the school’s sporting ethos — discipline and pride in achievement.
The World Aquatics Junior Championships will host swimmers aged 14-18 from across the world, offering a platform for emerging stars to make their mark before transitioning to senior-level competition. With Perumal and her Sri Lanka Head Coach both carrying AIS heritage, the school community is rallying behind them, confident that their performance will inspire the next generation of AIS athletes.
