Kodikara, Dinuka enter all-time top ten 400 meters sprinters list

Sprinters send clear message to authorities

by Reemus Fernando

Sri Lanka’s 400 metres sprinters continued to keep the enthusiasts interested in track and field as they produced a superb performance at the First National Trial held at Diyagama.

The notable sprint finish in the men’s 400 metres has seen the national all-time top ten list change at the very first meet of the year.

Dinuka Deshan and Pasindu Kodikara who were part of the national teams for international relay assignments last year entered the all-time top ten list for the first time as they achieved their personal best performances at the two-day event concluded on Saturday.

Incidentally, Kodikara and Deshan clocked 46.08 and 46.26 seconds to be placed third and fourth respectively in the 400 metres final won by Kalinga Kumarage.

While Kumarage won in a time of 45.83 seconds, Dharshana was the other sprinter to clock sub 46 seconds (45.96).

Incidentally, Asian Games medallist Rajitha Rajakaruna finished fifth while Pabasara Niku did not finish.

With his impressive feat Kodikara has now occupied the seventh place in the all-time top ten list. He overtakes legendary runner W. Wimaladasa to book his place. Deshan is in the tenth position in the all-time leaders list.

In an Olympic year the 400 metres sprinters have sent a clear message to authorities and have given a clear indication of things to be expected.

Incidentally, six of the all-time top ten athletes are current national athletes. The money spent on them will be an investment for the future. However, performances they produce at local events will not guarantee them entry to the Olympics. It is time the authorities (Sports Ministry and NOC) take note of their achievement and make necessary arrangements for them to secure their passage to World Relays which is a prerequisite if they are to compete in an Olympics 4x400metres relay.

Track and field teams had to endure hardships obtaining visas and costly air tickets for a number of international events during the last few years due to last minute arrangements made by authorities.

It is incumbent upon authorities of the Sports Ministry, NOC and Sri Lanka Athletics to avoid such heartbreaks this time.