Sugathadasa Stadium, Monday – The All Island Schools Games Athletics Championship witnessed a remarkable achievement as Jayavi Ranhinda Alwis from Royal College, Panadura, set a new national junior record in the Under 20 boys’ shot put event. Ranhinda’s massive throw of 16.64 meters not only secured the gold but also shattered a record that had stood since 2005.
In an intense competition, Ranhinda kept improving his performance throughout the event. He erased Oshan Ranjith Perera’s 2005 national junior record of 16.56 meters in his final attempt. Ranhinda not only claimed the national record but also improved the meet record four times during the competition.
Ranhinda’s remarkable achievement saw five out of his six throws surpassing the previous meet record mark of 15.43 meters (set in 2022). He also cleared the 16 meters barrier twice during his throws. His six throws were measured at 15.46, 15.41, 15.95, 16.42, 15.62, and the record-breaking 16.64 meters.
Two other Asian Games medallists, Tharushi Karunaratne and Jayeshi Uththara, displayed impressive performances in their respective heats in the Under 20 girls’ 400 meters. Karunaratne clocked 55.87 seconds to secure victory in her heat, while Uththara finished her race in 56.90 seconds. Both athletes from Ratnayake Central, Walala, and Holy Cross College, Gampaha are expected to compete in a thrilling climax to the Under 20 400 meters finals today.
Maris Stella College, Negombo secured gold and silver in the Under 20 boys’ pole vault, with Nimuthu Oshadha Fernando and Hasthika Wickramasekara clearing 4.20 meters and 4.10 meters, respectively. Northern Province athletes, who usually dominate this event, settled for the third, fourth, and fifth places.
Oshini Kodikara from St. Lawrence’s Convent, Wellawatta, claimed her third title of the year in the Under 18 girls’ triple jump with a remarkable feat of 11.82 meters. Despite challenging wind conditions and a delayed start due to a take-off board fault, several athletes cleared the 11-meter mark.
In the Under 14 boys’ high jump, K. Pakirjan from Kaluthavalai M M V, Batticaloa, cleared 1.69 meters.
Mahamaya Girls’ College, Kandy athlete Maheshi Kulasekara triumphed in the Under 16 girls’ discus throw, clearing a distance of 31.13 meters. She was the sole athlete to surpass the 30 meters mark.
Other notable winners in the finals held on Monday include Dilki Nehara of Pothupitiya Maha Vidyalaya (Under 16 girls’ long jump – 5.54m), M.N.W. Karunarathna of Taxila Central, Horana (Under 20 girls’ shot put – 11.08m), and H.P.D.S. Kumara of Joseph Vaz College, Wennappuwa (Under 18 boys’ javelin throw – 62.74m).
