Samitha Dulan Kodituwakku became the first Sri Lankan Para athlete to win a medal at the Paralympics Games being held in Paris.
Competing in the Javelin Throw event in the F64 category he recorded his fifth throw of 67. 03m breaking the previous world record in the F44 category to win the silver medal.
“I have been training very hard with the ambition to excel and win a medal,” said Dulan before leaving for Paris.
“This was my key event during my schooldays but my turning point of my career came about when I met with a motor bike accident in 2017. After I met with this accident, I had to leave the athletic field and thought my dreams were shattered with this injury. At that time the present NPC President Colonel Deepal Herath encouraged me to re-start a new journey in Para sport,” added Dulan.
His first medal was a bronze at the Tokyo Paralympics and after winning the silver medal last week his aim is now to win the gold medal at the Los Angeles Paralympics.
“Samitha’s historic achievement is indeed a monumental moment for him as he now owns both World and Paralympic records as well as the Paris 2024 Paralympic medal.
“This incredible feat highlights his dedication and resilience making it one of the most significant milestones in Sri Lanka Paralympics history”, said the Director General of Sports Prof Shemal Fernando.
(TBR)
