A dominant performance at the 4th South Asian Athletics Championships saw Safiya Yamik become the fastest athlete in South Asia, securing three gold medals and shattering a legendary record held by P.T Usha.
The 4th South Asian Athletics Championships, hosted in Ranchi, India, concluded with a powerful display of talent from the Sri Lanka contingent, marking one of their most successful regional outings in recent history. The undeniable star of the event was the formidable sprinter Safiya Yamik, who secured an astonishing triple gold medal haul. Her consistency and raw speed cemented her status as the championship’s most decorated competitor, earning her the title of the fastest athlete in South Asia.
Yamik’s historic run occurred in the women’s 200m event. She dominated the field, clocking a blistering time of 23.58 seconds. This performance was significant not only for securing the gold medal but also because it successfully established a new competition record. In doing so, Yamik eclipsed a long-standing 27-year-old mark, originally set in 1998 by India’s athletics icon, P.T Usha. Breaking a record held by such a legendary figure immediately casts Yamik into the regional spotlight and signals her immense future potential in Sri Lanka Athletics.
Her winning streak had begun earlier in the competition. Yamik first claimed the women’s 100m gold medal with a swift and controlled time of 11.53 seconds, setting the stage for her subsequent triumphs. She completed the clean sweep of the sprint events by participating in the women’s 4x100m relay. Displaying excellent teamwork, the Sri Lankan quartet finished their race in a strong 44.70 seconds, securing yet another gold medal and bringing Yamik’s personal tally to three.
The success was not limited to the short distances. On the endurance side, Rasara Wijesuriya also brought home a crucial gold medal in the gruelling women’s 10,000m event. This challenging, long-distance race requires intense dedication and strategic pacing. Wijesuriya showcased both, completing the 25-lap event in 34 minutes and 39.95 seconds to take the top podium spot. The collective achievements of both Safiya Yamik and Rasara Wijesuriya at the 4th South Asian Athletics Championships underscore a landmark day for the nation, highlighting a rich and promising wave of athletic talent ready to represent Sri Lanka’s commitment to excellence in Track and Field.
