Palitha Bandara, a Sri Lankan Paralympic athlete, made a remarkable impact at the 2024 Paris Paralympics by competing in the F42/63 shot put event. He began his performance with a throw of 14.45 meters, followed by a personal best of 14.51 meters on his second attempt. Bandara continued to showcase his skills with throws of 14.31 meters, 14.24 meters, and 14.14 meters, ultimately finishing with a distance of 13.91 meters on his fifth attempt. His consistent performance earned him a commendable 5th place overall, competing against strong international contenders, and he represented Sri Lanka with pride and determination.
Born on September 6, 1992, in Matale, Sri Lanka, Palitha Bandara grew up in a farming community in Kaluganga. He attended Millawana Maha Vidyalaya, where he actively participated in volleyball competitions. In 2009, Bandara enlisted in the Sri Lankan Army, a decision made without informing his parents due to anticipated disapproval. His athletic journey took a tragic turn in 2013 when he suffered a severe knee injury during a volleyball game, which required surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
Despite the challenges posed by his injury, Bandara’s resilience led him to return to sports. He initially trained by watching online videos, gradually rebuilding his strength and skills. His dedication paid off, as he went on to achieve numerous accolades in para-athletics, including a silver medal in the shot put at the 2018 Asian Para Games and a bronze medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games.
Palitha Bandara’s career was significantly impacted by a knee injury he sustained in 2013 while playing volleyball. He fractured his left knee, which required surgical intervention and the insertion of a knee plate. This injury led to a long recovery process, during which he faced the challenges of immobility and the psychological hurdles of returning to competitive sports.
However, his determination to overcome these obstacles and his passion for athletics drove him to pursue para-sports, particularly in the shot put and discus throw.
Under the guidance of his coach, Bandara has achieved remarkable success, including a silver medal in the men’s shot put at the 2018 Asian Para Games and a bronze medal at the 2022 World Para Athletics Championships. Currently ranked 6th globally with a record throw of 14.27 meters, he expressed his aspirations to surpass this achievement and win a medal at the Paris Paralympic Games. Bandara’s journey exemplifies resilience and dedication, inspiring many as he continues to strive for excellence in his sport and bring glory to Sri Lanka.
Written by Nadun Kumarasinghe | Moraspirit