Sri Lankan para-athlete Palitha Bandara etched his name in history by winning the gold medal in the Shot Put F-42 event at the World Para Athletics Grand Prix in Dubai yesterday. His remarkable achievement is a proud moment for Sri Lanka, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s para-athletics journey.
The 32-year-old, who secured a Commonwealth silver medal in Discus Throw in 2022, competed in Shot Put this time and clinched his first-ever international gold medal in the event. Bandara, who finished fifth at the last Paralympic Games in France, has his sights set on the upcoming Paralympics. This victory serves as a major confidence boost for his journey ahead. A Staff Sergeant in the Sri Lanka Army, he is coached by Prabath Dhanushka Perera.
In another success for Sri Lanka, Nuwan Indika Gamage won the silver medal in the 100m T-44 event at the Grand Prix. Clocking 11.45 seconds, he secured second place in a competitive race. Gamage is coached by Y.K. Kularatne, who emphasized the importance of international meets in helping para-athletes gain experience and improve their global rankings.
Adding to the country’s medal tally, Samitha Dulan clinched gold in the Javelin Throw (F-44/64 category) on the opening day of the event, reinforcing Sri Lanka’s growing presence in the world of para-athletics.