COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – After a long wait of 25 years, Sri Lanka has once again achieved recognition in the diving world. Two talented divers, Mikhail Jayaweera and Vinudi Kankanamge, have qualified for the World Aquatic Junior Diving Championship. This famed event will be held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, from November 24 to December 1. Vinudi Kankanamge stands out as the first-ever female diver from Sri Lanka to achieve this honour.
The last time Sri Lanka saw divers competing at this level was in 1999 in Czech Republic. That year, Chanaka Wickramasinghe from Royal College and Gayan Ranatunga from S. Thomas’ College represented the country at the same championship. Chanaka, who is now the coach for both Mikhail and Vinudi, finished 25th out of 45 divers at just 14 years old. His experience and knowledge have been invaluable to the current generation of divers.
Vinudi Kankanamge, a student at Visakha Vidyalaya, is not just making history for herself; she is paving the way for future female athletes in Sri Lanka. While the country has produced female divers who have participated in the Asian Games and Commonwealth Games, Vinudi’s qualification for the World Aquatic Junior Diving Championship marks a significant milestone in Sri Lankan diving history.
Mikhail Jayaweera, representing Colombo International School, is also a junior diver who has achieved the World Aquatic Junior Diving standard. Together, these two athletes are raising the profile of diving in Sri Lanka.
Despite their extraordinary achievements, both divers face significant challenges. Sri Lanka lacks world-class diving facilities. The absence of dry land training rooms and trampolines, which are crucial for diver preparation, poses a significant hurdle. Most other countries have these essential training facilities, but Sri Lankan divers must make do with what little is available. The current Secretary-General of the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union Mahinda Liyanage is actively working to improve the training conditions for divers by upgrading facilities at Sugathadasa Stadium Swimming Pool Complex.
With the championship approaching, it is critical for Sri Lanka’s sports authorities and the government to ensure that Mikhail and Vinudi receive the support they need. Their journey to Brazil is not just about personal achievement; it represents a historic opportunity for Sri Lankan diving. The athletes must be sent to Brazil by November 19, just five days before the competition begins, to ensure they are prepared to compete against over 250 elite divers from more than 40 countries.
This championship is not just a competition; it is a chance for Sri Lanka to exhibit its potential on the world platform. Mikhail and Vinudi have worked incredibly hard to reach this point, and their success can inspire the next generation of divers in Sri Lanka.
As they prepare to dive into the world of elite competition, the hopes of a nation rest on their shoulders. This is a moment of pride for Sri Lanka and a step toward a brighter future for diving in the country.
