Historic silver for Lanka in Women’s Kabaddi

• 6th Asian Beach Games

Sri Lanka’s women’s Beach Kabaddi team claimed a historic silver medal at the 6th Asian Beach Games held in Sanya, China. In a high-stakes final against India, the Sri Lankan squad remained within striking distance for the first 20 minutes, trailing by just two points (18-20). However, a late-game surge by India (27–13 in the second half) pushed the final tally to 31-47. The silver-medal-winning roster includes Diluxshana Vimalenthiran, Hansika Kumuduni, Kajenthini Rasa, Madurika Hansamali, Priyavarna Rasathurai, and Shanika Sudarshani.

This was also the first occasion where the Lankan team ever entered a final in the history of the tournament. India the giants of the game stamped their dominance by clinching a 6th consecutive gold medal whilst Bangladesh secured their 3rd bronze along with Nepal winning their maiden bronze.

In the Semi-final versus Nepal, Sri Lanka got the better of their South Asian counterparts 46-23. Lankan lasses clinched the 1st half (24-12) and the 2nd half (22-11). Sri Lanka beat Syria in their Group-A fixture 51-19. The 1st half saw a thumping 28-7 and the 2nd half a much well fought 23-12 win for Lanka.

The Sri Lankan men’s kabaddi team lost out on tasting a grand final after a 42-29 defeat at the hands of Iran in the semifinal. The second essay was a complete turnaround where the South Asian team stepped on the gas pedal to give a real scare to the Central Asian giants to lose out 17-16 after a hard fought set. However the Lankan lads secured bronze beating Bangladesh. 

The team comprised of Milinda Chathuranga, Mohammed Ansaf, Saminda Santhushta, Dilan Sanjaya, Ruwan Samarakoon, and Aabith Aqar. A 53-17 win was also recorded in the group stage against Chinese Taipei. Sri Lanka lost to India in their group game 54-33. 

Sri Lanka is represented at the Games by a contingent including 77 athletes competing across eight sports: Beach Athletics, Beach Kabaddi, Beach Handball, Beach Volleyball, 3x3 Basketball, Open Water Swimming, Beach Wrestling, and Sailing.

Organised by the Olympic Council of Asia, the Asian Beach Games is a multi-sport event dedicated to beach and coastal disciplines. First held in Bali in 2008, the Games were last staged in Da Nang in 2016 and returned in 2026 following a prolonged hiatus. The Sanya edition has drawn over 10,000 participants from 45 countries and regions and features 14 sports, 15 disciplines, and 62 medal events. 

Competitions are being conducted across multiple venue clusters along the Sanya coastline, highlighting the unique “coastal plus urban” concept of the Games.

Source - The Morning