Navy athletes shine as Inter-Command Athletic Championship – 2023 concludes in style

The finals of Inter-Command Athletic Championship – 2023 came to a thrilling conclusion on 11th and 12th February 2023 in the Northern Naval Command, with champions crowned in a series of exciting and highly competitive events. The men’s championship of the competition was won by the Western Naval Command and the women’s championship was secured by the Training Command.

The championship, which was held over two (02) days, saw athletes from each Naval Command come together to compete in a range of track and field events. Meanwhile, the men’s and women’s runner-up titles were secured by the Eastern Naval Command and Northern Naval Command respectively.

The award for the Best Athlete (Women) was won by Lady Midshipman KLDS Taniya and the trophy for the Best Athlete (Men) was secured by Recruit KMG Thathsara in recognition of their noteworthy performances. Few of the other standout performers of the championship were Engineering Mechanic LKCD Kumara (21km marathon), Woman Leading Seaman LMMS Jayarathna (Race Walking) and Woman Physical Training Instructor GBHB Dharmasiri (12km marathon) who went on to set new inter-command records in respective events as well.

In addition, Leading Seaman MSL Shrikantha won the award for the best performance (men) in track events by winning 100m in 11.37 seconds. In the same vein, Woman Physical Training Instructor GBHB Dharmasiri won the award for the best performance (women) by finishing 5000m in 20.43.00 minutes. In the field events, Recruit KMG Thathsara became the best performer (men) recording 13.73m in triple jump and Lady Midshipman KLDS Taniya was adjudged the best performer (women) recording 4.25m in long jump.

The Inter-Command Athletic Championship not only provided a showcase for the athletic prowess of its competitors, but also offered a glimpse into the camaraderie and sportsmanship that are at the heart of the sport. Commander Northern Naval Area Rear Admiral Aruna Tennekoon graced the finals of the championship, as the Chief Guest, and gave away awards and certificates to the achievers. A cross section of officers and sailors from all Naval Commands were also present on this occasion.

Overall, sports play a crucial role in maintaining the physical and mental fitness of naval personnel which in turn can help naval personnel to perform their duties more effectively and efficiently.