Two promising young athletes from Sri Lanka have voiced their disillusionment with the sport after being denied the opportunity to compete at the 2025 Asian Youth Athletics Championships in Saudi Arabia due to a critical error by accompanying officials.
Niduki Prithana and Ayesha Sewwandi, both scheduled to compete in the Under-18 women’s 1500m event, were disqualified after failing to report to the call room on time—an error they claim stemmed from incorrect information given by the team’s support officials.
The athletes, who were considered strong medal contenders—with hopes of securing gold and silver for Sri Lanka—expressed deep regret over the incident and questioned their future in athletics.
“We asked the Sri Lankan officials, and they said the first call was at 6.20. But it was actually at 6.10. By the time we reached the venue, we were told we couldn’t take part because we missed the call,” the athletes explained to reporters upon their return to Sri Lanka. “This was our first international competition. Now we feel so discouraged, we’re not even sure if we want to keep playing.”
The oversight has not only cost Sri Lanka a likely medal finish but has left emotional scars on two of its most talented youth athletes.
Despite this unfortunate incident, Sri Lanka managed to secure a total of eight medals at the championship: 01 gold, 03 silver, and 04 bronze—marking a commendable performance overall. However, the incident has cast a shadow over the administration of the team and raised fresh concerns over the competency and preparedness of the officials tasked with supporting the athletes.
As calls grow for accountability and reform in sports administration, this incident stands as a painful reminder that even the brightest talents can be dimmed by the failures of those entrusted to guide and protect them.
