Sri Lankan athletes are to benefit with new kits that can enhance their performance levels at international level.
The kits are presented by Bodyline Private Limited, a subsidiary of MAS Holdings who are the official clothing partner for Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA).
Bodyline came out once again to support the athletes for the next five years when they signed an MOU on Thursday (20) at the Auditorium of the National Olympic Committee.
Chief Executive Officer for Bodyline Dinesh de Silva and president of Sri Lanka Athletics retired Maj. Gen. Palitha Fernando signed the agreement.
“It all started in 2021 accidentally when discussions were held with coaches about the athletes’ clothing. Some clothing were too big or small and they had to seek the officials from Bodyline who agreed to look into ways and means to provide suitable running kits.
“These kits were critically studied and kits were made to measure with materials that will stretch when required.
Sri Lanka has won 39 medals at international competitions and has crossed the 40 medal mark this year.
“We are grateful to Bodyline for extending this support for our athletes who earlier found it difficult to buy their own kits at high prizes. We are also proud that these kits are made in Sri Lanka. Some foreign athletes too are wearing these kits made in Sri Lanka,” said Maj. Gen. Palitha Fernando.
MAS Holdings Product Transformation Officer, Dilshan Mohamed said that they started to support athletes when he saw the unsuitable cloths the athletes were wearing.
“It was love at first sight, so why not help them. We then got down to designing the clothing that will enhance their performance in different sports. The athletes were shining in the global arena. Seeing them break records and bringing medals home is a big reward for us at MAS.
“We cover the full range of attire for the athletes, from training and game day kits including clothing for practices, warm-up and play, to post-match award ceremonies. The light fabric provides moisture-wicking, light, breathable to enhance performance and comfort,” said Mohamed.
“As a manufacturer of performance wear for the world’s leading sports brands, we have the technology, capability and expertise to offer the Sri Lankan athletes high-quality clothing,” said Dinesh de Silva, CEO of Bodyline (Pvt) Limited.
“They are also a part of Bodyline’s ‘Runner to Runner’ program where the products are based on athlete insights and feedback. In turn, the athletes benefit from wearing high-quality products made through collaborative research,” added de Silva.
Saman Kumara the Secretary of SLA and the record keeper said that the athletes have used a range of kits and found that blue is the lucky colour for them.
“They have won 23 medals from major events. They have shattered 33 national records in 2023 and have produced the best athletes in the 400 metres events up to now”, said Kumara.
