Sri Lankan long jump champion Sarangi Silva believes she can get an Asian medal with her performance and also looking to get a medal at Commonwealth Games in Bermingham next August.
Sarangi the 26-year-old athlete from Sri Lanka Army said " I am very happy to renew my long jump record with 6.65m at the recently concluded first selection trial for the Asian Games and Asian Junior Championship at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
Last year I was able to set up a national record with 6.48m and during this trial cleared 6.53m in my first attempt before improving on it further in the third attempt with 6.65m. It was a remarkable achievement during this hard period but I must say this was a result of my 15-year hard work. I am always dedicated to my event and never forget my coach Y.K Kularatne and my present employer Sri Lanka Army and Sri Lanka Athletics (SLA) all are giving the best support to my success added Sarangi.
I have been clearing over 6.60m during practices since 2019. But I could not accomplish that in a meet and my coach Kularatne Sir always motivated me and say I could go above 6.80m and it encourages me to get this success.
My target is to pass 6.85m before the Asian Games and work hard to get that achievement said determined athlete Sarangi, a product of Sri Sumangala Balika Panadura. I also focus on the next Olympics which is the ultimate goal for any athlete.
From the Under-11 age group, I was doing the long jump event and also did the 75 m running event at my start. I was able to win Zonal level Championships and then I was keen to continue this long jump and my coaches always back me to come this far. My present coach, Kularatne sir, gives his fullest support not only training but also guiding us to develop our more important career. My parents always encourage me to do both athletics as well my education said Sarangi.
Sarangi also said setting up a new record is not an easy task especially at this hard period. Last year I got special training in Qatar and credit should go to the National Olympic Committee to arrange that overseas training and hope to get the same type of overseas training period before the Asian Games. If I get that type of training it's more important before the major games," said Sarangi.
Meanwhile, National coach Y.K Kularatne the man behind the success of Sarangi said this long jumper is always dedicated to getting her success and focus highly to go forward. She is getting training with me for more than 12 years. She always had a target and focus on it. At the moment she is in the second position at the Asian level and we are trying to get overseas training short period before Asian Games as well as trying to send Sarangi for the European circuit meet in May which will give a big boost to her. Sri Lanka never get Asian Games long jump medal and she could create history," concluded coach Y.K Kularatne.
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