By Roy Denish
Fathima Shafiya Yamick’s Asian Games omission has triggered online criticism, while fabricated claims about the selection decision have also spread.
COLOMBO – The omission of sprinter Fathima Shafiya Yamick from Sri Lanka’s contingent for the Asian Games has triggered widespread criticism of national sports authorities and selectors on social media.
Yamick produced an impressive triple-gold performance at the South Asian Athletics Championships, winning the 100 metres and 200 metres before contributing to Sri Lanka’s victory in the 4×100 metres relay.
Her regional performances had raised expectations among supporters that she could represent Sri Lanka at the continental level, making her omission a major talking point among athletics fans.
The decision prompted criticism across social media platforms, with supporters questioning the criteria used by selectors.
Amid the online backlash, fabricated graphics and false statements also began circulating.
One manufactured statement, falsely attributed to the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, alleged that Yamick had been excluded because of religious objections.
The claim was subsequently challenged by fact-checkers and sports officials.
Sports authorities have maintained that selections are determined through established performance standards, qualifying times, previous records, and athlete quota allocations rather than religious or other unrelated considerations.
Nevertheless, the controversy has highlighted the tension that can arise between public expectations surrounding regional champions and the formal qualification standards applied to major international multi-sport events.
