Born: 1981 (Elpitiya, Galle)
Biography:
Nadeeka Lakmali Bambarenda Liyanage, born on September 18, 1981, in Elpitiya, Galle, is a remarkable Sri Lankan javelin thrower. She has gained worldwide fame as one of the finest javelin throwers in Sri Lanka.
Not only a talented athlete, but Nadeeka Lakmali is also a member of the Sri Lankan Army. She holds the national record in the women’s javelin throw event and has consistently proven herself as an exceptional athlete.
In 2007, Nadeeka achieved a significant milestone in her athletic career by winning a bronze medal in the javelin throw event at the Asian Athletics Championships in Amman, Jordan. Her best throw of 52.59 meters earned her this well-deserved accolade.
The year 2008 marked another pinnacle in Nadeeka’s career as she represented Sri Lanka at the Summer Olympics held in Beijing. Competing against some of the world’s top athletes, she achieved her best throw of 54.28 meters on her final attempt, finishing 43rd overall in the qualifying rounds.
Continuing her success, Nadeeka represented her country at the 2010 Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, where she secured a commendable seventh place in the women’s javelin throw event, clearing a distance of 53.36 meters.
Nadeeka’s dedication and consistent improvement propelled her to new heights as she set a personal best and national record of 59.32 meters on June 30, 2013, in Pihtipudas, Finland. Displaying her exceptional abilities, she emerged victorious in all three stages of the 2013 Asian Athletics Grand Prix, ultimately claiming the gold medal.
It was at the 2013 Asian Athletics Championships in Pune, India, that Nadeeka renewed her national record with a remarkable throw of 60.16 meters. This accomplishment also earned her the silver medal in the women’s javelin throw event, with China’s Li Lingwei claiming first place.
Nadeeka’s incredible performance led her to qualify for the IAAF World Championships in Moscow in August. Prior to the championships, she participated in the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Forces’ Inter-Regiment Athletics Championships, where she once again shattered her national record, achieving an impressive distance of 60.64 meters.
In the 2013 IAAF World Championships, Nadeeka qualified for the finals of the Javelin throw with her best throw of 60.39 meters from Group B. Although she did not reach the automatic qualifying mark of 61.50 meters, she entered the finals as the next best performance from Group A and B. This remarkable achievement made her only the second athlete from Sri Lanka, after sprinter Susanthika Jayasinghe, to reach the final round at an IAAF World Athletics Championship.
Completing her journey in the finals, Nadeeka finished in 12th and last position with a distance of 58.16 meters. Her participation in the championship showcased her strength and determination.
Throughout her career, Nadeeka trained under former Sri Lankan javelin thrower Dilhani Lekamge, benefiting from her expertise. However, in 2014, she decided to part ways with their coach A.J. Rodrigo and seek training elsewhere to further enhance her skills.
Continuing to represent Sri Lanka on the international stage, Nadeeka participated in the 2014 Commonwealth Games, where she achieved a respectable sixth place, clearing a distance of 59.04 meters in the women’s javelin throw event.
In the 2016 South Asian Games, held in Sri Lanka, Nadeeka claimed the bronze medal with a throw of 54.82 meters, further cementing her status as a top javelin thrower in the region.
With her dedication and unwavering commitment, Nadeeka continued to be a remarkable athlete representing her country. In 2017, she proudly competed at the Asian Athletics Championships held in India, adding to her illustrious career.
Nadeeka Lakmali Bambarenda Liyanage’s achievements in the world of javelin throw have left an indelible mark on Sri Lankan athletics. Her passion for the sport, perseverance through challenges, and consistent excellence make her an inspiration to aspiring athletes worldwide.
Awards:
– Bronze Medal, Asian Athletics Championships (2007)
– Participation in the Olympic Games (2008)
– Participation in the Commonwealth Games (2010, 2014)
– Gold Medal, Asian Athletics Grand Prix (2013)
– Silver Medal, Asian Athletics Championships (2013)
– Participation in the IAAF World Championships (2013)
– Bronze Medal, South Asian Games (2016)