All Island Schools Games

by Reemus Fernando

In a rare moment in country’s schools athletics arena, two Asian Games medallist will be in action when the All-Island Schools Games Athletics Championship conducted by the Ministry of Education commences at the Sugathadasa Stadium today.

Asian Games medallists Tharushi Karunaratne and Jayeshi Uththara are set to compete in the Under 20 girls’ 400 metres heats on day one of the meet. There are eight field event finals on day one but Karunaratne and Uththara would be the cynosures of all eyes as they compete at a national level championship for the first time after returning from the Asian Games.

Uththara entered local competition soon after her return from Asian Games when she competed at the Western Province Schools Games. She won the best athlete title in the girls’ category of the said meet for the second consecutive time and the Holy Cross College, Gampaha athlete will be competing head-to-head with Karunaratne in the 400 metres.

The 800 metres is the pet event of Asian Games gold medallsit Karunaratne but she is expected to compete in the 400 metres as well. Ratnayake Central athlete is the favourite in both the girls’ 800 metres and the 400 metres.

All Island Schools Games is the final school competition for both Karunaratne and Uththara as they conclude their schools’ career with this meet.

At the Asian Game, Karunaratne won the 800 metres gold medal and joined fellow schools athlete Uththara, Lakshima Mendis and veteran Nadeesha Ramanayake to win the bronze medal in the women’s 4×400 metres.

The four age group finals scheduled for today are; Under 20 boys’ pole vault, Under 16 girls’ discus throw, Under 20 girls’ shot put, Under 18 girls’ triple jump, Under 14 boys’ high jump, Under 20 boys’ shot put, Under 16 girls’ long jump and Under 18 boys’ javelin throw.