- At UIPM World C’ship in Guiyang, China
Sri Lankan pentathlete Gayani K K Dassanayaka has been selected to represent Sri Lanka at the upcoming UIPM World Championship, scheduled to be held in Guiyang, China, from 24 to 31 August.
The Modern Pentathlon Federation of Sri Lanka (MPFSL) said the participation marks the second UIPM World Championship in which Sri Lankan pentathletes have competed this year, reflecting the continued development and international exposure of Modern Pentathlon in Sri Lanka.
The championship will feature the full five-discipline Modern Pentathlon competition, with athletes from more than 20 countries and over 200 competitors expected to participate. The results will contribute to UIPM World Ranking points, making the event significant for Dassanayaka ahead of the 2026 Asian Games in Japan.
The competition will provide Dassanayaka with international experience and exposure to world-class athletes, while giving her an opportunity to improve her world ranking and competitive readiness ahead of the Asian Games.
Modern Pentathlon was introduced and developed in Sri Lanka in 2017, initially with two disciplines. Through the efforts of the MPFSL, all five disciplines – Swimming, Fencing, Obstacle, Laser Run and the combined Modern Pentathlon format – were established in 2025, enabling Sri Lankan athletes to compete internationally as full pentathletes.
Sri Lankan athletes are now included in the UIPM World Ranking, marking a significant development for the sport in the country. Two Sri Lankan athletes have also qualified to compete at the 2026 Asian Games in Japan in September.
The Federation acknowledged the support extended by Sports Minister Sunil Kumara Gamage towards the national training programme and the establishment and maintenance of the national training pool, which is being used to prepare athletes for the Asian Games.
Dassanayaka’s participation in the UIPM World Championship in Guiyang is expected to provide further international exposure and strengthen her preparation for the 2026 Asian Games.