Dinusha Kumari Perera, an experienced Sri Lanka karate exponent, has embarked on a new chapter of her career as a coach in Dubai, UAE.
Moving to Dubai approximately eight months ago, Dinusha took on the role of a coach at JKS Karate Academy, marking her first coaching stint abroad.
“I see this as an opportunity to share my knowledge and skills with students from different countries. It’s an exciting new chapter for me, transitioning from athlete to coach and I’m eager to make the most of this experience,” said the 34 year old, who brings a wealth of experience and a passion for the sport spanning over two decades.
Despite her coaching responsibilities, Dinusha remains actively involved in karate. Her upcoming challenge is the Bangladesh Commonwealth Karate Championship for which she is diligently preparing for. “In the last Commonwealth Championship, we clinched the team Kumite gold medal,” she says proudly having also won a silver medal at the last South Asian Games in Kathmandu in the kumite 50kg weight class.
She sees competing in these tournaments as a chance to represent her country and its people with pride.
“I’m grateful for the support of the Sri Lanka Karate Federation and the Ministry of Sports in helping me pursue my goals. My aim is to secure the gold medal in the Commonwealth Karate Championship in Bangladesh scheduled for September,” says Dinusha.
Dinusha Perera with Iranian national exponent Yeganeh Farhmand at the JKS Academy in Dubai
“Training in the UAE for the Commonwealth Championship is indeed a new experience for me, and I see it as a valuable opportunity. Being a coach here gives me a unique advantage as I prepare for the championship. It’s a fresh experience. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity it presents,” she adds.
Her long-term goal is participating in the Olympics like every athlete dreams. “I am determined to participate in the 2028 Olympics; it’s been my dream for a long time. Despite the challenges my country faces in participating in the Olympics, I am committed to pursuing this goal,” she says.
Although she will be 38 during the Los Angeles Games, Dinusha is confident of making the cut. “I believe age is just a number. As long as I maintain my fitness and passion for the sport, I am confident in continuing to compete at a high level,” she says.
Having sacrificed her life with dedication to the sport, she has proved it by consistently maintaining her weight fit and trim at 55kg.
“It’s definitely a challenging journey, especially when it comes to maintaining weight and balancing various responsibilities. I undergo rigorous training in karate, power training and bodybuilding to stay in peak condition. It’s a tough regimen, requiring sacrifices and strict discipline. I have to be meticulous about my diet, ensuring I consume the right foods and maintain my weight. It’s demanding, but I understand the importance of these sacrifices in achieving my goals,” she says.
She is targeting an Asian medal having been ranked fifth in 2015 at the 13th AKF Senior Karate Championship in Yokohama, Japan which earned her Presidential Sports Colours.
Her motivation and appetite has been reignited in Dubai where the facilities for sports are abundant. “In my country, support is there, but it’s different here.
Athletes have to juggle studying, coaching and practising karate all at once to become medallists.
“This experience prepares us for competitions not just in South Asia, but also in Asia, worldwide and even for the Olympics,” pointed out Dinusha who has represented Sri Lanka at the 2016 Karate World Championships in Austria and 2018 Commonwealth Games in Jakarta.
In Dubai, Dinusha is not just a coach but also a goodwill ambassador for the Karate Foundation for Children. She believes in the importance of giving back and nurturing talent in the next generation. Additionally, she serves as a brand ambassador for Vaseline and Laksala, representing Sri Lankan handicrafts and sports with pride.
“As a Goodwill Ambassador, we focus on helping children which is a cause I deeply believe in. I’m proud to be the first South Asian athlete to become an ambassador for this cause. This opportunity means a lot to me as it allows us to improve the lives of our students and make a positive impact,” says Dinusha who also coaches at Emirates National School Dubai.
Looking back at her career which began in 2009, Dinusha was attracted to karate by watching action hero Jackie Chan in the movies.
“I began practicing karate when I was seven years old. One day, while watching TV, I saw a movie that ignited my passion even more. Despite my parents’ initial reservations about karate, I felt I had a natural inclination for martial arts.
“So I took the initiative and started training even before they fully supported the idea. Eventually, during my school years, my mother enrolled me in karate classes,” recalls Dinusha who also competed in athletics at provincial level winning in the 400 metres and hurdles events.
The third child in a family of four girls and one boy, hailing from a humble background in Colombo, she served as a Corporal in the Air Force for five years before joining her father’s business. Her younger sister Chathurika, 26, played netball.
Asked why she chose Kumite over Kata, she explained: “My body is naturally flexible, which is advantageous for martial arts. While disciplines like Kata require muscle strength, my speed and flexibility make Kumite the ideal choice for me.”
Transitioning from player to coach, Dinusha is determined to continue making strides in her career. Her passion for fashion is also evident, as she balances her sporting commitments with her role as a brand ambassador.
As she continues her coaching journey in Dubai, Dinusha remains focused on her goals, driven by her passion for karate and her commitment to making a positive impact in the world of sports. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, dedication and the pursuit of one’s dreams.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
2011
South Asian Senior Karate Championship at New Delhi: Weight Class Below 55kg – Individual Kumite Gold Medal
National Karate Championship 2011 Weight Class Below 55kg – Individual Kumite Gold Medal
National Sports Festival Weight Class Below 55kg – Individual Kumite Gold Medal
2012
National Karate Championship 2012 Weight Class Below 55kg – Individual Kumite Gold Medal
National Sports Festival Weight Class Below 55kg – Individual Kumite Gold Medal
2013
National Karate Championship 2013 Weight Class Below 55kg – Individual Kumite Gold Medal
National Sports Festival Weight Class Below 55kg – Individual Kumite Gold Medal
6th World Gojukai Karate Weight Class Below 55kg – Individual Kumite Gold Medal
4th Asian Karate Cup, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Weight Class Below 55kg – Individual Kumite Gold Medal
2014
National Karate Championship 2014 Weight Class Below 55kg – Individual Kumite Gold Medal
National Sports Festival Weight Class Below 55kg – Individual Kumite Gold Medal
South Asian Senior Karate Championship 2014 at New Delhi Weight Class Below 55kg – Individual Kumite Bronze Medal
2015
Presented Presidential Sport Colours in 2015 Most Outstanding Player of the Year – Karate
National Karate Championship 2015 Weight Class Below 55kg – Individual Kumite Gold Medal
National Sports Festival Weight Class Below 55kg – Individual Kumite Gold Medal
Eighth Commonwealth Karate Championship New Delhi India. Senior Team Kumite Gold Medal
2016
National Karate Championship 2016 Weight Class Below 55kg – Individual Kumite Gold Medal
National Sports Festival.Weight Class Below 55kg – Individual Kumite Gold Medal
2017
National Karate Championship 2017 Weight Class Below 55kg – Individual Kumite Gold Medal
National Sports Festival Weight Class Below 55kg – Individual Kumite Gold Medal
South Asian Senior Karate Championship 2017 Sri Lanka Weight Class Below 50kg – Individual Kumite Gold Medal
South Asian Senior Karate Championship 2017 Sri Lanka Team Kumite Silver Medal
2019
13th South Asian Games – Kathmandu, Nepal Weight Class Below 50kg -Individual Kumite Silver Medal
