Hurdler Kaushalya deprived of golden opportunity as grass track hinder performances

Hurdler Dasuni Kaushalya, the country's leading contender this season over the 400metres hurdles had to bow out without competing after Sports Ministry authorities refused her appeal for an opportunity to run in the final following a mishap in the heats at the National Sports Festival at Dadella.

- BY REEMUS FERNANDO

Sports Ministry officials took a controversial decision to conduct the 400 metres hurdles heats on a wet and slippery grass track, minutes after a rain interruption. Kaushalya, who skipped the recently held National Championship due to an illness, was determinned to produce her best but slipped and crashed at the first hurdle due to the wet conditions.

Her coach Asanka Rathnayaka, an award winning technical official himself took her case to officials with the hope of entering her for the final through an appeal. Technical officials accepted the appeal but the appeal committee eventually rejected it.