‘Crysbro Next Champ’ gathers momentum with a sprinter

The sprint event at the Olympics is the one that everyone looks forward to with bated breath. The winner, especially if he sets a new world record, is hailed as a hero until the next sprint champ is crowned. Hence it’s no surprise that the scholarship recipient of Crysbro Next Champ is also a sprinter.

He is 18 year old M. L. Ashantha Kumara of St. Benedicts College, Kotahena, who will receive a wide-ranging sponsorship package from Crysbro, including a monthly allowance, equipment and gear required to succeed in his chosen sport, access to the best coaches and training facilities, as well as sponsorship for participation at overseas events, as and when he reaches such standards. As part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme, Crysbro conceived this ground-breaking project with a view to finding and supporting the most talented individuals from among a wide array of sports and turn them into world class sportsmen and sportswomen.

Ashantha Kumara’s exploits on the tracks include the first place in 2009 in the All Island National Schools Games in the 100 metres, second place in 2010 and once again a first place in 100 metres at the same sporting event in 2011. At the ‘Won Gu Peace Cup’ athletic meet held in South Korea in 2010, he was placed 1st in the 100 metres and second place in the 200 metres respectively. He also participated in the World Junior Athletic Championship this year.