Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA) has opened the doors to give a chance to any athlete who wishes to qualify for the Paris Olympic Games to compete in a special trial to be held at the Sugathadasa Stadium on June 30.
Top athletes like Yupun Abeykoon (100m), Aruna Dharshana (400m), Tharushi Karunaratne (400m, 800m), Gayanthika Abeyratne (1500m), Kalinga Kumarage (400m) and Dilhani Lekamge (Javelin Throw) are those who are close to qualifying for the Olympics.
They will also compete in the 102nd National Championship to be held from June 25 to 27 and the finalists will be included in the special trials.
SLA is hopeful that all elite Sri Lankan athletes are looking forward to participate in both the Nationals and the special trial to make their Olympic dream come true.
All eyes will be on Tharushi Karunaratne who made a strong bid by winning gold medals in the 400m and 800m at the Taiwan Athletic Championship.
Anura Dharshana has also reached excellent form by winning the gold in the 400m in China and Taiwan. Kalinga Kumarage also performed well in the 400m event.
Dilhani Lekamge improved on her prospects after winning the silver in the Javelin Throw at the Taiwan meet.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and World Athletics (WA) have set June 30 as the deadline for qualification in athletic events ahead of the Olympic Games.
Only the following events will be held at the special trials to be held on June 30.
They are: 100m, 400m, Javelin Throw for men and 400m, 800m, 1500m, Javelin Throw for women.
