'Army Eastern Games - 2018' with 35 Track & Field Events Draw to a Close

The three-day long Army Eastern Games - 2018, one of the most distinctive events in the sports calendar of the Security Force Headquarters - East (SFHQ-E) concluded at the SFHQ-E grounds, Welikanda on Saturday (5).

The event, organized with a view to providing a platform for young Army athletes to showcase their skills and engage them in competitions to promote sportsmanship was graced by the Commander, Security Forces - East, Major General Santhusitha Pananwala as the Chief Guest on the closing day of the tournament.

The finals were witnessed by the Chief Guest after he was warmly welcomed and accompanied to the grand stand in an elegant multi-culturally rich procession.

Army athletes, representing SFHQ-E, 22 Division, 23 Division, 24 Division and the Forward Maintenance Area-East (FMA-East) vied in the athletics meet with their fellow-athletes as keen sportsmen and women of the Eastern theatre of sports while showcasing their high standards of professional sportsmanship.

Comprised of 35 track and field events, the annual meet mirrored the enthusiasm Army sportsmen and women have in Marathon races and relays, Long distance running, High and Long Jumps, Shot Puts, Javelin, Discus throwing and an array of other different athletic events. The tournament reached its zenith after initial competitions got underway before competitors took part in the final rounds before a galaxy of distinguished visitors.

The day's final programme covered events, such as 1500 m Men's Final, 100 m Women's Final, 100 m Men's Final, Tug of War Women's Final, Tug of War Men's Final, 4 x 100 m Women's Final and the 4 x 400 m Men's Final. As the events of the Championship were progressing, the relay events of invited schools, 4 x 400 relay of Defence Services, etc. The Band display added variety to the event while the performers in the Reality Based Self Defence Display stunned the viewers through their aesthetic talents.

22 Division with 193 points and 3 (V) Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps with 246 points secured Men’s and Women’s Championships while 23 Division and 5 (V) Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps became Runners-up.

Second Lieutenant D.M Kanishka Gayashan of 16 Battalion of Sri Lanka National Guard was awarded with the trophy for the Best Athlete (Male) while Lance Corporal I.L.S Madhuwanthi of 3 (V) Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps was awarded as the Best Athlete in the female category.