Susanthika to lead Sri Lanka's campaign in Asiad Athletics

Sri Lanka's star sprinter Susanthika Jayasinghe will lead her country's campaign in the athletic events starting at the Asian Games here from tomorrow.

There was some uncertainty about her participation but she ended that by saying, ''I came here to run and I am fit and looking forward to the event.'' She was hit by the fast spreading viral flu Chikungunya and many believed that Jayasinghe may be a none-starter at the 15th edition of the quadrennial Games.

''I have no reason to lie. I am looking at the elusive gold medal,'' she said.

The 35-member Sri Lankan athletic contingent hope of winning at least two gold medals and Jayasinghe carry those hopes along with high jumper Manjula Kumara Wijesekera.

''Its bit cold and we have put extra energy for training. But that will not affect my ambition to win here,'' said the 31-year-old sprinter.

Jayasinghe will compete in women's 100m and 200m dashes with an eye on Damayanthi Darsha's record of a sprint double at the regional Games where she had just won a single gold medal during her career.

Jayasinghe won the gold medal at the last edition in Busan but failed to complete the double due to groin injury which forced her to withdraw from the Games.

''It's true that I was hit with the fever at a bad time and I missed few training session. But I have recovered well and now in perfect mood to strike here,'' she said.

Jayasinghe is a favourite for the titles in both 100 and 200m but said that her biggest threat would come from the Kazakhstani and Chinese runners.

Her first appearance here will be on Friday when she will take part in the women's 100m heats.

Meanwhile the athletic manager, Dervin Perera also exuded confidence that Sri Lankan will perform better this time in the Games.

''The weather is cold and its a little bit of a worry'' he said but added, ''certainly it's same for everyone. So they need to concentrate on their events.'' He admitted Jayasinghe was their main medal prospect at the Games.

''We do have an outside chance in the men's 400m relay and Manjula to stand a very good chance,'' he said.

Sri Lanka has put extra effort on the relay squad and have opted out of the 400m men's hurdles. Asoka Jayasundara was earlier named for the event but name was withdrawn so that he could concentrate on the relay.

''We didn't want to go after a mirage knowing well that it's well beyond our reach and I think the wise thing is to concentrate on the relay,'' he added.

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