Dunlop to sponsor wheelchair tennis player D. M. Gamini

Sri Lanka Tennis Association gives great honour to Dunlop who has graciously come forward with an equipment sponsorship for D. M. Gamini - a hero of our country from the war and in the sport of wheelchair tennis. Dunlop will extend an equipment sponsorship for Gamini, with racquets, gutting, grips and clothing etc for a period of 3 years (renewable).

31 year old Gamini is the 8th in the family and a soldier from Ampara and from the SL Army, who lost his leg to an Anti personal mine in year 2000. Gamini may never have thought of seeing the light of day but today he is another pride in our nation. He also comes from a large family of 11 and 6 of his brothers are serving the nation. Gamini’s tennis career began in 2003 with SLTA.

High-ranking player for Wheelchair Tennis in Sri Lanka, Upali Rajakaruna is ranked 138 and D. M. Gamini is ranked 192 in the International Tennis federation for wheelchair tennis.

Whilst his highest single ranking was 53 and Doubles 113 at the end of year 2008, he was the ITF Development training team player in 2006 and 2008. Of the team competitions Gamini came out a winner in the second draw doubles in Taiwan Open in 2008 and Runner up singles Sri Lanka Open 2008 and winner doubles, Took part in Invacare World Team cup in 2007, 2008 and 2009, (SL became 5th Place WG 2 won three singles and 3 doubles). He is a hard court player and loves the game that has come to mean so much.

Sri Lanka’s wheelchair tennis players, Upali Rajakaruna, D. M. Gamini and Lionel Senerath records a historic win defeating and grabbing a commendable 5th place at the Invacare Men’s World Group 2, World Team Cup Wheelchair Tennis tournament held in Nottingham, UK end July last year.

Jagath Welikala takes pride in coaching the local wheelchair tennis team.

Wheelchair tennis is catching up fast with more disabled soldiers getting involved due to the effort put in by the committee of the Sri Lanka Tennis Association.

SLTA humbly request sponsors to come forward with their generous support towards these disabled personal.

It is worth noting the remarkable potential they have and the dedication shown with their performance to reach International standards in the competitive rankings in the World.

We must all come together, it is our duty to help them, and the rest to pursue what is left of their dreams.

RD