Sri Lanka celebrates as Lahiru Achintha powers to a personal best, winning gold in the Boys’ 1500m at the Asian Youth Games 2025 in Bahrain.
Sri Lankan middle-distance runner Lahiru Achintha has etched his name into the nation’s sporting history by winning the country’s first-ever gold medal at an Asian Youth Games. Competing in Bahrain on Thursday, Achintha stormed to victory in the Boys’ 1500m event with a remarkable personal best of 3 minutes and 57.42 seconds. His dominant run showcased not only his endurance and pace but also Sri Lanka’s growing potential in youth athletics.
China’s Luhiu Sha finished second to claim silver, while Hong Kong’s Ho Chun Au secured bronze. Achintha’s triumph, achieved against strong regional competition, marked a golden milestone for Sri Lanka’s athletics community and inspired young athletes across the island to dream bigger.
Meanwhile, in the Girls’ 1500m race, Sri Lanka continued its success when Nethmi Gimhani clinched the bronze medal. She crossed the line in 4 minutes and 52.32 seconds, adding another podium finish for the country at the prestigious event.
The performances of both Achintha and Gimhani highlight Sri Lanka’s emergence on the Asian athletics stage, raising hopes for even greater achievements in the years to come.
