The Commander of the Air Force, Air Marshal Sudarshana Pathirana in the capacity of President Air Force Sports Council graced a special felicitation ceremony which was held today (25 January 2023) at Air Force Headquarters. SLAF Sportsmen and women in the disciplines of Water Polo, Taekwondo, Rowing, Weightlifting, Handball and Wrestling were felicitated during the ceremony.
The personnel from the following sports have performed outstandingly at the 12th Defense Services Games, National and International Sports Championships.
At International Level, the SLAF Karate Team members were able to secure the Bronze Medal for Sri Lanka in the Men’s Kata event during the 6th South Asian Karate Championship 2022.
At National Level, the SLAF Men’s Water Polo Team won the National Championship after a lapse of 11 years, while the SLAF Weightlifters were able to secure four gold medals and also achieve a new Sri Lankan Record in the snatch event 81kg weight category. SLAF Men’s and Women’s Taekwondo Teams were able to gain 16 medals including 7 gold medals at the National Taekwondo Championship, while the SLAF Women’s Life Saving Team was able to secure the Championship at the National Life Saving Championship 2022. The SLAF oarsmen were able to win the quadruple sculls category during the National Rowing Championship.
During the 12th Defence Services Games, The SLAF Women’s Handball Team and SLAF Wrestling both Men’s and Women’s teams were able to win the Championships in their respective sporting disciplines.
Apart from the team’s SLAF Water Polo Coach, Mr. Poorna Kankanige and SLAF Life Saving Coach Sargent Ranasinghe NJ were appreciated by the Commander for their untiring dedication by coaching and mentoring SLAF sportsmen and women towards keeping the SLAF flag flying high.
The event was attended by the Chief of Staff, Members of the Air Force Board of Management, along with Chairmen, Secretaries, Managers and a cross-section of players of SLAF Sports Disciplines.
SUMMARY OF INDIVIDUALS FELICITATED
Most Valuable Player of the National Water Polo Championship 2022
Leading Aircraftman Udayathra RLK
Gold medalist and National Record Holder at National Weightlifting Championship 2022
Leading Aircraftman Jayasena URR (lifted 138 kg in the snatch event 81kg weight category)
Bronze Medal Winners at 6th South Asian Karate Championship – 2022
Corporal De Silva KN
Corporal Prasanna KS
Leading Aircraftman Faiz MS
Aircraftman Sandeepa WSI
