Lanka to field five member team for Paralympic Games

Sarath Premathilake from Beijing

Sri Lanka will field a five member team for the 13th Paralympic Games which will be worked off from September 6 to 18 in Beijing, China.

The Sri Lankan contingent will be captained by powerlifter Sandun Wasana Perera and also includes Shantha Kumara (200m, 400m and 800m), Udaya Pushpakumara (high jump) and Upali Rajakaruna (wheel chair tennis).

Some of the other events that will be worked off at this years paralympic games are archery, cycling, seven a side soccer, rifle shooting, volleyball, wheelchair rugby, track and field, rowing, swimming, wheelchair basketball, wheelchair tennis, boxing, judo, sailing, table tennis, wheelchair fencing and weight lifting.

Meanwhile the hosts China are set for a repeat performance after they had dominated the Olympic Games earlier with a rich haul of 51 gold medals. China will field a record number of 332 competitors for the paralympic games and will compete in all 20 disciplines.

Last year too China dominated the paralympic games in Athens while winning a total of 141 medals including 63 gold medals, 46 bronze medals and 32 bronze medals.