Ashen looks for more muscle

Yasaratne GAMAGE

A silver medal in an international event just after one and half years time of engagement in the sport is a truly a dream come true for any sports personal. Suraj Ashen of Sri Lanka Army has made such a dream into reality when he won the silver medal in Mister Asia 2011 held in Mongolia.

A. H. Suraj Ashen, a proud product of Central College Matara was invited to take up body building by Sergeant S. Somapala, the Army Body Building Coach in January last year. It was a timely decision by the coach and three days later he won the third place in the Army Body Building Meet in 2010.

Ashen then entered Sri Lanka novices team and won a silver in the Novices Meet in February. So far he has participated in 13 national level body building meets and collected silver and bronze medals.

"It is really hard work, you have to practice and be technically accurate. Food is vital as well as regular exercises. I find it really difficult to attend meets spending my own money. I am married and a father of one so I have that responsibility too. If I get more help, may be a sponsorship, I could do a lot more" said Ashen.

He is a corporal in the Sri Lanka Army and is looking forward to winning the Arnold Classic in America and the World Championship.

Ashen practices at House of Fitness, Matara but to compete at international level, there is a lot more to do. Ashen cordially thanked his teammate Prasanna Peris, National coach Lional Kumara, The Sports Minister and the Army Commander and everyone who stand by him in his sporting career.