Lankan shooters take wing for Melbourne
RIFLE SHOOTING: The six-member team of Sri Lankan shooters left last
night for the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne with hopes of returning
home with at least a medal. The Games will take place from March 15-27.
Coach Rohana Nanayakkara said that medal prospects would have been
even brighter had they been able to take part in the team events.
"We were unable to find sufficient competitors for the team event.
But nevertheless we have in our midst four shooters who have excelled at
international meets recently," said Nanayakkara, a former Sri Lanka
multiple shooting champion.
Sri Lanka's medal hopes rests on Pushpamali Ramanayake (Sri Lanka
Army), a former Commonwealth Games medals winner who will be
participating in the women's 10m air rifle, 60m prone and the 3x20 3
position match events.
Ruwini Abeymanne (Slimline) will take part in the women's 10m air
pistol and 25m sport pistol events while Shamali Wijesuriya (Sports
Shooting Club of Colombo) will participate in the 25m sport pistol
event. Pushpamali and Ruwini have also taken part in the Olympic Games.
Airman G.M. Chandana, the only man in the team will take part in the
rapid fire pistol event. Rear Admiral Daya Dharmapriya of the Navy is
the manager. |