Navy bags bunch of medals with national record at National Weightlifting Championship 2022

Navy weightlifters exhibited some scintillating performances at the National Weightlifting Championship 2022 worked off at the National Sports Complex, Polonnaruwa from 10th to 13th November 2022. Accordingly, the Navy clinched the title in women’s category and the runner-up title in men’s category. In addition, the Commonwealth medalist Leading Seaman DMIC Dissanayake bettered his previous best by lifting 136kg (Snatch).

Many weightlifters representing well-known sports clubs of the island, including the Armed Forces, participated in the National Weightlifting Championship organized by the Polonnaruwa District Weightlifting Association under the aegis of the Ministry of Sports. The women weightlifters of the Navy took part in 06 weight classes and won 02 gold medals, 04 silver medals and 02 bronze medals, winning the championship in women’s category. Meanwhile, the men’s team secured the runner-up slot in the tournament by winning 04 gold medals, 02 silver medals and 02 bronze medals, taking part in 07 weight classes.

In 73kg weight class, the silver medalist of 21st Commonwealth Games, Leading Seaman DMIC Dissanayake lifted 136kg (Snatch) and won the gold medal, bettering his own record of 134kg. In addition, Ordinary Seaman VSG Vidanage (89kg weight class), Ordinary Seaman SM Peters (102kg weight class) and Ordinary Seamn WPU Charuka (over 109kg weight class) also won gold medals.

Similarly, Leading Seaman EADK Egodawatta (61kg weight class) and Ordinary Seaman WPGD Jayawickrama (109kg weight class) won silver medals. Further, Leading Seaman LD Kulasinghe (102kg weight class) and Ordinary Seaman LIMS Liyanarachchi (81kg weight class) won bronze medals.

In women’s category, Woman Able Seaman BC Priyanthi (81kg weight class) and Woman Able Seaman WCM Warnakulasuriya (55kg weight class) won 02 gold medals. Apart from that, Woman Able Seaman WCM Warnakulasuriya was also adjudged as the Best Lifter in women’s category.

Meanwhile, Woman Ordinary Seaman HNK Fernando (81kg weight class), Woman Ordinary Seaman MMD Harischandra (87 kg weight class), Woman Ordinary Seaman SS Kumarasinghe (76kg weight class) and Woman Ordinary Seaman JGUR Gunathilake (45kg weight class) won silver medals for the Navy.

Strengthening the medal tally, Woman Ordinary Seaman KMDP Ishari (45kg weight class) and Woman Ordinary Seaman DMHP Dissanayake (under 87kg weight class) won bronze medals as well.

Under the able guidance of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, the Navy has made available a number of infrastructure, training opportunities and welfare-provisions for the promotion of the sports in the Navy. Making good use of these amenities, the Navy's sportsmen and women have made significant achievements in recent times, both at the national and international level.