The Youth Commonwealth Games, a prestigious international sporting event hosted in Trinidad and Tobago with the participation of 71 countries, faced a setback as visa issues prevented Sri Lankan coaches from attending. In a remarkable show of solidarity, Indian and Australian coaches stepped in to assist the Sri Lankan athletes, ensuring their participation and success.
Despite the obstacles posed by the absence of their regular coaches, Sri Lankan athletes demonstrated exceptional skill and determination during the indoor sports event. Notably, Yomal Akalankah secured a silver medal in the 400m event with a time of 51.61 seconds, while Nilupul Tejana achieved a bronze medal in the high jump event with a remarkable 2.0m jump.
The Sri Lanka Athletics Association acknowledged the complex challenges faced by the athletes due to the absence of their coaches. Visa-related issues prevented Sri Lankan coaches, including Sunil Bandara and the official in charge of the women’s team, from accompanying the team to the event.
However, the situation took a positive turn when Anula Kosta, a Sri Lankan coach associated with the Australian team, joined the efforts to support the athletes. Additionally, the Athletics Association reached out to the Indian team’s manager and coach, who offered their assistance in addressing the athletes’ coaching needs during the interim period.
