Navy secures men's joint championship and women's runner-up titles in wrestling at 12th Defence Services Games

The Wrestling Championship of the 12th Defence Services Games has been held at the Army Cantonment, Panagoda from 22nd to 24th November 2022. Exhibiting their clinch fighting masterclass, the Navy wrestlers emerged joint champions sharing the trophy with Sri Lanka Air Force and women clinched the runner-up title in the Wrestling Championship.

A number of athletes from the tri-services took part in the Wrestling Championship of the 12th Defence Services Games. Contested in 08 weight classes the Navy men’s team won 04 gold medals, 03 silver medals and 02 bronze medals. Similarly, the women’s team bagged 02 gold medals, 01 silver medal and 02 bronze medals contested in 05 weight classes.

Accordingly, Leading Seaman SD Asanga (61kg weight class), Leading Seaman CD Fernando (65kg weight class), Leading Seaman HS Buddhika (79kg weight class) and Ordinary Seaman BA Sanjith (92kg weight class) won gold medals.

Meanwhile, Petty Officer EMG Kathurangana (57kg weight class) won a silver medal and was adjudged the Best Loser. In addition, Able Seamn PSU Fernando (74kg weight class) and Leading Seaman EML Priyankara (86kg weight class) also won silver medals.

Moreover, Petty Officer OMA Chandimal (65kg weight class) and Able Seaman (Provost) WHS Sandaruwan (97kg weight class) secured bronze medals.

In women’s championship, Women Ordinary Seaman WSU Silva (57kg weight class) and Women Able Seaman KVSD Kumarasinghe (68kg weight class) won gold medals. In the meantime, Women Able Seaman JMD Priyadarshani (50kg weight class), won a silver medal and won the award for the Best Loser.

Further, Women Leading Seaman SHY Gunawardena (62kg weight class) and Women Able Seaman (Physical Training Instructor) WGDO Karunanayake (76kg weight class) bagged bronze medals for the Navy.

Under the able guidance of Commander of the Navy, Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne, the Navy has made available a number of infrastructure, training opportunities and welfare-provisions for the promotion of the sports in the Navy. Making good use of these facilities, the Navy's sportsmen and women have made significant achievements in recent times, both at the national and international level.