Kumarasiri proves his prowess
View(s):L.W. Chamal Kumarasiri of D.S. Senanayake National School Mirigama set a new record of 14.81cm in Under-17 Triple Jump, during the recent All-Island School Athletics Meet 2014 held at Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo.
L.W. Chamal Kumarasiri
Winning a Gold apart in his second year into triple jump, having been able to set a new record within such a short span of time, is a great accomplishment in his sporting life, says Chamal during an interview with the Education Times.
Chamal, who was recognised as the Best Player in the Divisional Meet in 2014 when he bagged the Gold medals for 100m and the triple jump, also secured the Gold medal in Under-17 Triple Jump at the All-Island School Meet last year.
Reminiscing how he got into the athletic filed, Chamal says, while he was a student at Gampaha Sri Bodhi Vidyalaya he was sent to the D.S.S. Grounds in Mirigama for triple jump training by the Principal of the school during which he met his current instructors.
After he joined D.S. Senanayake Mirigama for his O/Ls he got the opportunity to be trained under his instructors Chandana Jayantha Amarasinghe, Suresh Kumara and Anusha Dilrukshi Perera, without whose support, Chamal says, his achievements would not have been possible.
“First I trained the High Jump under Chandana sir and later on, started training the long jump under Suresh sir. He directed me towards the triple jump,” Chamal says adding that his family also encourages him a great deal to pursue his goals.
Expressing how challenging the game is, Chamal says one needs to master the technique of the game which is very complex. It also involves rigorous training, he adds.
According to Chamal, he underwent six months of thorough training during this year in the run up to the All Island School Meet amidst his busy schedule on preparing for the Ordinary Level examination this year, and was finally able to reap the benefits of his commitment and dedication when he walked away with a Gold, while breaking a record, to make his school proud.
He is overwhelmed by the victory he brought to the school and participating a felicitation programme organised by the school in honour of his victory is an unforgettable moment in his life.
“The Principal and the teachers commended me. They spoke words of encouragement saying that I have a bright future in the field of sports. I felt proud of myself and to know that my accomplishment will inspire fellow school mates to work hard to develop their talents is something very rewarding for me,” he says.
Expressing that he is deeply grateful for his school teachers, the instructors, family and friends for being supportive and encouraging throughout, Chamal reveals his future plans to achieve higher in the field of sports, his next target being to qualify for the Junior World Games.
-Dhananjani Silva
Pic M.D. Nisanka