UIPM 2026 Pentathlon World Cup: Sri Lanka makes historic debut

Sri Lanka is set to mark a significant milestone in its sporting journey as the national team prepares to compete at the UIPM 2026 Pentathlon World Cup, scheduled for 8–12 April at the Cairo International Stadium Complex in Egypt. This will also be the country’s first participation at a global event as a full modern pentathlon team.

The qualification represents notable progress for the sport in Sri Lanka, which developed from a basic level with limited resources, infrastructure, and technical capacity. As a relatively new discipline in the country, modern pentathlon has faced structural and operational challenges, including athlete training pathways and access to specialised disciplines.

Through consistent development efforts and athlete commitment, Sri Lanka has, within eight years, established a competitive full pentathlon programme capable of participating at global level. The opportunity to compete was earned through performances at recent Asian competitions, where Sri Lankan athletes demonstrated technical improvement and competitiveness against regional opponents.

Representing Sri Lanka at the World Cup are Isiwaruna Oshada De Silva (Athlete), Sachini Nisansala Rathnathilaka (Athlete), Gayani Kumudu Kumari Dasanayake (Athlete), and Iroshan Sampath Kumara (Team Official).

Modern pentathlon, governed by the Union Internationale de Pentathlon Moderne, consists of five disciplines: fencing, swimming, obstacle course racing, shooting, and running.

Commenting on the achievement, the Sri Lanka Modern Pentathlon Federation President Nishantha Piyasena, stated:

“This is a proud and defining moment for Sri Lankan modern pentathlon. What makes this achievement even more significant is our journey from starting with very limited resources and minimal facilities to now competing at a global level as a full pentathlon team. As a new sport in Sri Lanka, we faced numerous challenges in building awareness, infrastructure, and athlete capability. However, within just eight years, we have been able to elevate the sport to a world-class standard. Qualifying for the UIPM World Cup for the very first time is a testament to the dedication of our athletes, coaches, and administrators. This milestone not only elevates Sri Lanka’s presence on the global stage but also creates a strong foundation for future Olympic pathways. We believe this achievement will inspire a new generation to embrace modern pentathlon and push the boundaries of Sri Lankan sport.”

Sri Lanka’s entry into the UIPM World Cup circuit is considered a strategic step in extending the country’s presence in multi-disciplinary Olympic sports. It reflects ongoing investment in athlete development structures and signals an intention to engage more broadly in international sporting arenas beyond traditional disciplines.

The Federation expressed its appreciation to the Egyptian Modern Pentathlon Federation for supporting the Sri Lankan team in Egypt, including providing training facilities and accommodation. Additional acknowledgement was extended to Sunil Kumara Gamage, Minister of Sports, for assisting with travel arrangements that enabled the team’s participation.

Source - The Morning