G.K.K. Menike of Kuruwita, Ratnapura once again did Sri Lanka proud by winning two gold medals and a silver medal at the recently concluded 21st Asian Masters’ Athletics Championship in Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia. Competing in the over 70 age category, Menike won gold medals in 100m and 200m events and a silver medal in the 100mx4 relay event. She has won medals in all three events in which she participated, being the only participant from Ratnapura District.
The 21st Asian Masters Athletics Championship saw over 300 athletes representing 36 countries vying for honours at the Sarawak grounds from December 2 to 7.
Menike is a seasoned athlete who has created a number of Masters Athletics records in Sri Lanka. She also has a star studded international athletics career winning many accolades. This is her 10th appearance at Asian Masters’ Athletics Championship. Her best ever international performance was recorded in 2006 at the 14th Asian Athletics Championship in Bangalore, India where she has won six gold medals competing in 100m, 200m, 80m hurdles, 300m hurdles, 100mx4 and 400mx4 events. Recognizing her outstanding performance, The Hindu newspaper named her as the ‘Golden Lady of the Meet’ in one of its articles.
Menike appreciates the support she received from her sponsors, Bernard Boteju PLC in Dehiwala. She also thanked her coach R. A. Chandradasa who is also her husband, another Masters’ Athletics record holder. Menike and Chandradasa are known to be the oldest couple in Sri Lankan competitive athletics. Even though Chandradasa too qualified to represent Sri Lanka at this year’s Asian Master’s Athletics, due to lack of funds he did not participate.
Menike also extends her gratitude to Kuruwita Village Development Board, Delgamuwa Village Development Council, Delgamuwa Elders’ Society and Kuruwita Pradeshiya Sabha for their valuable support.
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