Lal Pushpakumara - 10th in Men’s High Jump

Sarath Premathilake From Beijing

Sri Lanka’s P. A. Lal Pushpakumara finished 10th in the men’s High Jump Event of the Paralympic Games worked off at the Bird’s Nest Olympic Stadium in Beijing, China yesterday.

Soldier Pushpakumara who lost a leg while serving in the war front in the Northern Province was at a disadvantage as he had to compete with athletes who had lost only their arms.

Meanwhile four athletes who were found guilty of taking performance enhancing drugs were expelled from the Games village. Pakistan weightlifter Ahamed Butt, German Wheelchair basketball player Armit kochun, Mali’s weightlifter Fakoro Sisoko and Ukraine’s weightlifter Lyudmila Osmanova were the four athletes who were found guilty They have been banned from competing at international competitions for two years.

Sri Lanka’s S. A. Shantha Kumara who took part in the 800 metres event could not qualify for the finals as he finished sixth with a timing of 2.01.02.

He took part in the event for athletes without one arm. Earlier he took part in the 200m and 400m but was unable to qualify for the final.