18-year-old Sri Lankan artistic gymnast qualifies for Tokyo Olympics

May 6, 2021 at 4:06 PM

 

Artistic gymnast Milka Gehani de Silva has qualified for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, becoming the second Sri Lankan to do so.

Showjumping rider Mathilda Karlsson became the first to qualify for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games from Sri Lanka. He is also the first equestrian representing Sri Lanka in an Olympic Event.

18-year-old Milka Gehani de Silva will compete at the Tokyo Olympics after qualifying through the continental quota.

Milka Gehani de Silva’s qualification comes following the cancellation of the 9th Senior Asian Championships, which was to be held from May 29-June 1 in Hangzhou, China, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

She was the first reserve ahead of Indian gymnast Pranati Nayak for the Asian quota and became eligible to compete from the zone following the cancellation pf the Championships.

Milka Gehani de Silva has represented Sri Lanka at several international competitions including the Junior Asian Championships (2017 & 2018), Youth Olympic Games (2018) and the 49th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships (2019).

She was National Champion in 2017 and 2018, finished within the top 8 at the Asian Championship in Indonesia in 2018, becoming the first Sri Lankan to achieve the feat.

De Silva also represented Sri Lanka at the Youth Olympic Games 2018, setting an Area record. (NewsWire)