- Puvini Kahandawala’s journey from Colombo to the Ironman World Championship
In 2019, at just 22 years old, Puvini Kahandawala lined up at the start of Ironman 70.3 Colombo with nothing more than months of group training sessions, a swimmer’s background, and a determination to see the finish line.
She never expected that the race would propel her into history as the first Sri Lankan female triathlete to qualify for the Ironman World Championship, representing her country on a global stage.
Now, with Ironman returning to Colombo in 2026 after a six-year hiatus, Puvini reflects on her unexpected rise in the sport, her perspective as a woman in fitness, and her parallel journey as an entrepreneur.
From the pool to the road
“Swimming was a big part of my life from a very young age,” she said. “My father was a swimmer and he taught me and my brother how to swim. I carried that love for sport and fitness well beyond my school days.”
Her introduction to triathlon came almost by chance. A friend from Triathlon Club Colombo invited her to join. “I had never heard of triathlons before,” Puvini admitted with a laugh.
“Since I had mastered one discipline already, I thought why not try it? At the time, Ironman 70.3 Colombo was just six months away, so I decided to give it a go, initially just for fun. I never imagined that decision would change my life.”
Although her swimming background gave her a head start, running and cycling were completely foreign.
“I couldn’t even run 2 km without stopping,” she said. “It felt like starting over from scratch. In the early days, it was a lot of trial and error because I didn’t have a proper training plan. I joined Triathlon Club Colombo and went for its group sessions whenever I could — early mornings, late evenings, and weekends — while balancing my internship at MAS Kreeda.”
Her message for aspiring athletes is simple. “I believe anyone can train and take part in a triathlon. If Ironman feels too big, there are shorter races to start with. What matters is taking that first step.”
The 2019 experience
The atmosphere of Colombo’s Ironman 70.3 in 2019 still lingers vividly in her memory. “It was honestly amazing,” she said. “I remember standing at the starting line, heart racing, knowing that months of training had led to this moment. My only goal was to complete the race.”
But she achieved more than that. Through the Triathlon Club Colombo Tri-Series, Puvini not only tested herself but also earned the free entry that changed everything.
“To be honest, I really wanted to win the tri-series,” she said candidly. “I couldn’t afford the Ironman entry fee at the time. I had just started working and didn’t want to trouble my parents. The organisers gave a free entry to the overall female and male winners, so I gave it everything I had.”
Her victory secured her a place at the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France.
On the world stage
Qualifying as the first Sri Lankan woman at that level was both exhilarating and daunting. “I was shocked and beyond the moon — I never expected it,” Puvini admitted. “There was a sense of pride knowing I was representing my country, but also the weight of responsibility that comes with breaking new ground.”
Nice presented challenges unlike any she had faced. “It was a completely different race course and climate. The swim was in cold water, under 19 degrees, so it was a wetsuit swim. The bike course was brutal, climbing 36 km of mountain at 10–12% elevation and then a steep downhill journey requiring technical handling. And then, of course, the 21 km run.”
But the thrill outweighed the hardship. “Standing among athletes from around the world was inspiring. It pushed me to dig deeper, to trust my training, and to embrace every moment. More than anything, it was empowering to know that maybe, just maybe, I was inspiring other Sri Lankan women to dream bigger.”
Women, fitness and visibility
As an athlete and a public figure, Puvini has become a symbol of possibility for Sri Lankan women in sports. “Yes, we are seeing more women take part in fitness and sports now, regardless of their age,” she noted.
She acknowledged that the intimidation factor was real. “It’s completely normal to think triathlons are too tough, I thought so too at first. But you don’t have to be perfect from day one. Every small training session builds confidence. Discipline and consistency matter more than anything. And you’ll surprise yourself at how much you can achieve.”
Run Club Global and Ceylonese Ink
While her athletic journey was unexpected, entrepreneurship was always part of her dream. “Starting up my own brand was always something I wanted,” she explained. “While my brother and I are building Run Club Global, I’ve also launched Ceylonese Ink, a furniture design and manufacturing company.”
Her active wear brand focuses on functionality, adaptability, and sustainability. “Being a competitive athlete wasn’t part of my plan, but being an entrepreneur was. I’m lucky to have a huge support system — my husband, parents, siblings — behind me every step of the way.”
Ironman 2026 and beyond
Although she has moved towards World Triathlon short-distance races and represented Sri Lanka at the South Asian Games, her competitive spirit remains.
“My last Ironman 70.3 was in Goa, India, where I placed first and qualified for the 2024 World Championships,” she said. But today, her focus is also on building her personal life. “I am happily married to my husband Shenuk and we’re planning our future together.”
With Ironman returning to Colombo in February 2026, she is excited for what it means for the country. “It’s great to see it back. Ironman Colombo was discontinued after 2019 due to the Easter Sunday attacks, Covid-19, and the economic crisis. Its comeback is more than just a race; it’s a powerful reminder of our resilience as a nation. It’s a chance to show the world the spirit and warmth of our people. I hope this inspires more Sri Lankans to take on challenges they never thought possible.”
Her advice for first-time participants? “Believe in yourself, that’s the first step. Find a training community, be disciplined, and trust the process. You don’t need the best gear to succeed; I once made my own energy gels at home! Focus on the four essentials: training, recovery, nutrition, and mindset. And above all, have fun, because it all passes so quickly.”
As the conversation wound down, Puvini reflected on what she hoped her journey would mean for the future. “I hope triathlon grows in Sri Lanka, not just as a sport, but as a movement encouraging people to embrace active, healthy lifestyles. For women in particular, I want them to feel there are no boundaries to what they can achieve.
“Whether it’s an Ironman, a local race, or just staying active, anything is possible. I want more Sri Lankan women to discover the joy of challenging themselves, celebrating their strength, and realising their potential.”