Tharushi Karunaratne, a prodigy from Ratnayake Central, Walala, secured Sri Lanka’s first Asian Games gold medal in 21 years at 2022 Asian Games held in Hangzhou, China.
She emerged victorious in the women’s 800 meters final by outpacing experienced Chinese Olympian Wang Chunyu. In a strategically slow race, Karunaratne sprinted in the final 60 meters to clinch gold. The former champion Chunyu Wang, won the bronze medal with a time of 2.03.90 minutes. India’s Harmilan Bains finished the race in 2:03.75 minutes and won the silver medal.
Trained by Susantha Fernando, Karunaratne clocked 2:03.20 seconds, marking her third gold medal in the two-lap race at the Asian level this year. She became the first Sri Lankan schoolgirl since Damayanthi Dharsha in 1994 to win a medal at the Asian Games, joining an exclusive group of Sri Lankans who have secured gold at the Asian Games.
Tharushi’s parents, despite facing financial hardships, are filled with love and devotion. Within their family, Tarushi holds a deep belief that her brother, Harsha Karunaratne, is truly the greatest brother in the world.
Harsha’s remarkable journey to international sports success, which included bringing medals back to their country, was highlighted by his national championship win in the 800 meters event just last year. However, Harsha selflessly decided to step away from the world of sports to secure a job that would support Tharushi’s future.
Tarushi’s father, who managed a modest business, and her mother, who stood by his side, made numerous sacrifices to enable their children’s pursuit of sports, without any assistance from their relatives. Despite Harsha bidding farewell to his own athletic ambitions, he tirelessly sought employment opportunities to provide for his sister, despite facing limited options.
Tharushi began her educational journey at Ududumbara Chulabhaya Secondary School. When her brother earned a sports scholarship and moved on to Ratnayake College in Walala, Tharushi was inspired to follow in his footsteps and secure a sports scholarship at the same institution. Her life took a significant turn during this period.
It was at Ratnayake College that she crossed paths with Susanta Fernando, a dedicated trainer who recognized her untapped potential. Susanta guided her towards the 800m event, a choice that would prove to be instrumental in her athletic career. Simultaneously, the school’s educators played a pivotal role in nurturing her well-balanced personality.
Fortunately, Tarushi, who had excelled in her general examinations with three A passes and six B passes, was now focused on her advanced level studies in the commerce stream. The postponement of her upcoming exams provided her with the time needed for adequate preparation, and this momentous news coincided with her triumphant gold medal win.
Tarushi’s mother once shared the family’s journey, revealing the sale of land in Ududumbara to fund their children’s sports endeavors. They relocated to a rented house in Digana, costing them 18,000 rupees, chosen for its proximity to training facilities.
Every step of the way was filled with challenges, as the children required substantial financial support for sports equipment and nutritious food. However, they persevered, facing each obstacle head-on with determination and resolve.
Karunaratne’s success wasn’t the only highlight. The women’s 4×400 meters team, comprising Nadeesha Ramanayake, Jayeshi Uththara, Lakshima Mendis, and Tharushi, established a new Sri Lanka record while winning bronze. Additionally, the men’s 4×400 meters relay team secured third place.
Sri Lanka concluded its track and field campaign with a total of four medals, the highest number since 1998. Karunaratne’s triumph ended a decades-long gold medal drought at the Asian Games.
