Throwers Sumeda and Sampath become training partners

by Reemus Fernando

There are two Ranasinghes among the three highest ranked Sri Lankan javelin throwers. While Olympian Sumeda Ranasinghe is the current number one, Sampath Ranasinghe and former national record holder Waruna Dayaratne are genuine contenders to that title. Fierce competitors on the field, these top three throwers were training under three different coaches during the last few years. But now reigning national champion Sumeda and former national champion Sampath are training partners with the latter joining the national record holder to be coached by Pradeep Nishantha.

The standard of the men’s javelin throw improved by leaps and bounds during the last ten years. Reasons for the improvement were many. Several former national throwers taking to coaching and persevering in acquiring the latest knowledge was one of the many reasons for the improvement. Pradeep Nishantha and Kingsley Gunathilaka, both former national record holders are starting to fill the space once filled by the likes of late A.J. Rodrigo. The healthy competition between these coaches is another reason for the improved standards.

This competition resulted in Nishantha’s charge Sumeda Ranasinghe creating history in 2015 with a mighty throw of 83.04 metres. It was a distance which was considered impossible for Sri Lankan throwers to achieve at one time. Performances like those helped Sumeda qualify for Olympics. In 2016 Ranasinghe became the first male thrower to represent Sri Lankan at an Olympics.

Though he has been under the shadow of the Olympian, Sampath too has shown signs of becoming a thrower capable of accomplishing such achievements. Sampath produced his personal best with a massive throw of 81.22 metres in 2018. Under Gunathilaka’s guidance he became the third Sri Lankan thrower in history to clear the 80 metres mark, behind Sumeda and Waruna. It is after accomplishing such an achievement that Sampath decides to change coaches.

“Sampath joined me this month after notifying his coach. I also had a chat with Gunathilaka before I started training him,” said Nishantha in an interview with The Island.

Gunathilaka who is attached to the Ministry of Sports is currently following a sports degree but continues to train throwers. Gunathilaka, a South Asian Games gold medalist, said that he gave his blessings to Sampath after the latter conveyed his intentions. “I have no hard feelings. I wish him well,” said Gunathilaka.

Meanwhile, Nishantha said that he also had a chat with his athlete Sumeda before the arrival of Sampath. “I had a chat with Sumeda as well. He has no worries about it. I personally believe that both Sumeda and Sampath will benefit from training together,” said Nishantha.

How has the three leading throwers improved during this Covid 19 hampered year will only be known when they take part in the low key trial this month. If the National Championship is held as scheduled in December, the competition between the two Ransainghe’s will be another sub plot to watch.