Gayanthika skips World Championships in search of Asian Games glory

Veteran runner Gayanthika Abeyratne has decided to skip the World Athletics Championships in consultation with her coach Sajith Jayalala to concentrate on Asian Games, Sri Lanka Athletics announced yesterday.

Abeyratne is one of the three athletes to have reached qualifying standards for individual events to represent Sri Lanka at the World Championships, which will commence in Budapest on August 19.

Abeyratne qualified through ranking quota after finishing just outside in the ‘Road to Budapest 23’ Rankings to compete in the 1,500 metres.

She has won Sri Lanka many accolades in track and field sports. During the last decade, she has won top positions at South Asian Games, Asian Indoor and Martial Arts Games, Asian Championships and Asian Grand Prix events. Asian Games is the only regional event where she has not won a medal.

She has emerged as a strong contender for Asian Games medals after winning two bronze medals at the recently held Asian Athletics Championships. (RF)