Sri Lanka –Aniththa Jegatheeswaran, an 18-year-old pole vaulter from Jaffna stole the limelight on day one of the 30th All Island School Games athletics competition equalling the women’s national record. Jegatheeswaran, a product of Mahajana MV, Jaffna cleared a height of 3.32 meters to equal the national record set by Anoma Karunawansa at this year’s 92nd athletic national championship. Aniththa Jegatheeswaran of Mahajana MV from Jaffna in action. Her feat will go down in the annals of Sri Lanka’s sporting history as the first instance in more than six decades a school athlete had equalled a national record. High jump great Nagalingam Ethirveerasingam was the last one do so during his school days back in early 50’s. It was an outstanding effort from a teenage girl who has been training with much difficulty. “I am happy to equal the record,” said Jegatheeswaran with a broad smile on her face. “I am proud that I did it but there’s a long way to go. A little bit of support and facilities will certainly help me and my colleagues in the school to achieve greater heights,” she added. According Jegatheeswaran the school does not even have the basic facilities required for training. “Do you know that we do not even have a proper mattress to practice? If someone can assist us, I think we will have a better future. GWKD Dharmaratne of Walala A. Ratnayaka Central finished second clearing a height of 3.15 meters while Bhagya Alahakoon of Newstead Balika was placed third with an effort of 2.80 metres.
