Kalinga Kumarage to Represent Sri Lanka at World Athletics Continental Tour in Japan

Asian Games medallist Kalinga Kumarage will be the sole Sri Lankan representative at this weekend’s World Athletics Continental Tour Bronze Label Meet in Nigata, Japan. Originally set to feature more of Sri Lanka’s top athletes, the competition will now see Kumarage as the country's only competitor after two prominent athletes withdrew.

The two-day meet, taking place over the weekend, marks the final overseas competition for Sri Lankan athletes in 2024. Kumarage, a specialist in the 400 metres and currently ranked as Sri Lanka’s number two in the discipline behind Olympian Aruna Darshana, is poised to conclude a strong season on the international stage.

Darshana, who was scheduled to compete alongside Kumarage, has unfortunately withdrawn due to illness. His coach, Asanka Rajakaruna, has traveled with Kumarage to provide guidance and support during the event.

Another major withdrawal comes from javelin thrower Rumesh Tharanga, whose remarkable 85.45m throw at the Asian Throwing Championship ranks as the 13th best performance in the world this year. Initially slated to compete in Nigata, Tharanga decided to skip the meet after delays in receiving approval from the Japanese organisers. Instead, Tharanga and his coach Tony Prasanna have shifted their focus to preparing for the upcoming season.

Tharanga’s 2024 campaign was highlighted by a record-breaking gold medal performance at the Asian Throwing Championship, where his throw fell just five centimeters short of the Paris Olympics qualifying standard. His decision to sit out the Nigata event is seen as a strategic move to focus on his preparations for the Olympic year ahead.

With the withdrawal of both Darshana and Tharanga, all eyes are now on Kalinga Kumarage as he aims to deliver a strong finish to his season on the world stage in Japan.