Why Sri Lanka sent a smaller, more selective team to the 2022 Asian Games
In short: At the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Sri Lanka's delegation underwent a significant transformation. Rather than sending a broad squad, the nation pivoted to a strategy of extreme selectivity, focusing only on athletes with genuine medal potential amidst a period of profound domestic hardship.
During the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou, China, which ran from 23 September to 8 October 2023, Sri Lanka made its 19th showing. The nation has maintained a continuous presence at the Games since the second edition in 1951. However, the 2023 delegation was notably smaller than its predecessor; the 95 athletes who eventually competed represented a decline of 78 participants compared to the 2018 Games.
This reduction was a deliberate strategic choice. The Sri Lankan delegation was narrowed to include only those with realistic medal-winning possibilities. This focus on quality over quantity was further complicated by the country's economic crisis. For instance, the National Sports Selection Committee (NSSC) made the difficult decision to withdraw both the men's and women's field hockey teams, citing both the lack of medal prospects and the ongoing economic instability.
The final roster of 95 athletes—comprising 61 men and 34 women—was also subject to late changes. While an initial squad of 96 was named on July 26, 2023, injuries led to the withdrawal of two track and field athletes. A male artistic gymnast was later added to the roster. The delegation also included 57 officials and coaches. A historic moment occurred during the opening ceremony when 52-year-old golfer Anura Rohana and athlete Gayanthika Abeyratne served as flagbearers, with Rohana becoming the oldest flagbearer in the history of the Asian Games.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Sri Lanka at the 2022 Asian Games
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/history-sri-lanka-at-the-2022-asian-games.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Born on this day · More in History · Latest · A–Z · All topics
