National javelin record holder Sachith Maduranga brought the curtain down on his short but exciting athletics career with a throw of 78.20m which improved his own meet record of the SL Army Athletics Championships under a floodlit Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo yesterday.The athlete trained by A. J. Rodrigo (jr.) came close to breaking his national mark when his penultimate throw sailed well beyond the final flag. It was ruled a no-throw when Maduranga failed to control his balance falling at the throwing line.
The 23-year-old announced a premature retirement citing lack of recognition for international achievements and lack of foresight in steering local sports among main reasons, following his silver medal winning feat at the Asian Athletics Championships this year. He said that he was taking part in the Army Athletics Championship only to honour his commitment to the Army and will not take part in athletics thereafter.
Following his announcement of retirement, the Sports Ministry awarded handsome cash awards to the international medal-winning athletes at a function held recently. Maduranga too was named for a reward of rupees 1m but did not accept the award. He said that it was unbecoming of him to accept a cash award after quitting athletics.
Asked whether he would overturn his decision to retire after doing so well at the Army Athletics Championship yesterday, Maduranga said that he had never overturned decisions taken in life.
Maduranga requested enthusiasts to compare his performance at the Army Meet with performances of other athletes at Championships happening in a year’s time from now.
His coach A. J. Rodrigo who was observing the proceedings with mixed feelings said one day Maduranga’s Sri Lanka record would be broken but there will not be an athlete like him.
"There will not be an athlete who had a big heart like him," said an emotional Rodrigo holding back tears. (Courtesy: The Island)
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