Rasara, Puvitharan rewrite meet records as National Athletics Championship begins

The 104th National Athletics Championship commenced with an exhilarating opening day at the Diyagama Stadium. Rasara Wijesuriya and Arunthavarasa Puvitharan delivered record-breaking performances that set the tone for the event. Rasara claimed victory in the women's 10,000m race, finishing in 33:32.77 seconds and shattering the meet record.

G. W. O. N. Fonseka and H. I. S. Fernando followed closely with the silver and bronze respectively. In the men's pole vault, Puvitharan once again showcased his prowess, clearing a remarkable height of 5.10m to establish a new meet record. H. S. Eranga Janith secured silver with a jump of 5.00m, while M. H. I. Sandaruwan earned bronze with 4.90m.

In the men's 10,000m race, M. Kobinathan emerged as the champion with a time of 30:58.50, followed by M. S. A. Fernando and D. P. S. S. Senanayaka. Madushani Herath claimed the women's triple jump title with a best throw of 13.60m, ahead of I. S. W. Arachchi and G. I. S. Lankathilaka. Suseenthirakumar Mithunraj and W. J. R. Alwis secured gold and silver in the men's shot put, respectively, while Ovini Chandrasekara and V. D. V. Gimhani took the bronze.

The championship kicked off on a high note, setting the stage for promising performances as Sri Lanka's top athletes compete for national recognition.