Janani Dhananjana, a para-athlete from Sri Lanka, represented her country in the T47 Women’s Long Jump event at the 2024 Paris Paralympics. Despite not making it to the podium, Dhananjana put forth a remarkable effort, achieving a rank of 9th among the competitors with a jump of 4.96 meters.
Dhananjana’s journey in athletics began in 2018 when she participated in her school’s inter-house competitions at the Shilpa Shalika Grounds in Meegahakotuwa. It was during this time that a provincial coach recognized her potential and introduced her to para-sports. Despite facing the challenges of an arm disability, Janani’s determination and resilience have made her an inspiring figure for aspiring athletes in her community.
In 2017, Dhananjana won silver medals in the 400-metre and 200-metre running events at the Dubai Asian Youth Para Games, which led to her selection for the Sri Lanka national team. Her athletic career took off from there, with notable achievements such as winning gold in long jump at the 2022 Asian Para Games and a silver medal in the 100 metres and long jump at the 2024 World Para Grand Prix.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which interrupted her training for nearly a year, Dhananjana remained focused and determined. She concentrated her efforts on the 1500-metre event and continued to excel on the international stage.
Dhananjana’s performance at the Paris Paralympics serves as an inspiration to young athletes across Sri Lanka. Her remarkable courage and perseverance in the face of adversity have made her a beacon of hope for the nation. As she looks towards the future, Dhananjana remains committed to her goal of winning a medal for Sri Lanka and inspiring others through her achievements
Written by Nadun Kumarasinghe | Moraspirit