- A historic achievement for local modern pentathlon
Sri Lanka’s national modern pentathlon champions have achieved a historic milestone by qualifying for the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, marking a proud moment for a sport still new to the island nation’s sports landscape.
The Asian Games stand as one of Asia’s most prestigious multi-sport events, offering Sri Lankan athletes a rare opportunity to compete at the highest level.
While the country has long excelled in several traditional sports, modern pentathlon – introduced to Sri Lanka only in 2016 – has carved out a remarkable place in our sporting history with this breakthrough.
This achievement was secured through the outstanding performances of Isiwaruna De Silva and Gayani Dassanayake, Sri Lanka’s reigning national champions, who represented the country at the Asian Modern Pentathlon Championships held in Anjo, Japan from 10–16 November.
Their exceptional results at this official Olympic-pathway qualifier earned Sri Lanka eligibility to compete at the Asian Games in the modern pentathlon discipline next year.
A noteworthy fact is that both qualifying athletes are members of the Sri Lanka Air Force, whose Commander and senior leadership have extended their blessings and support for this accomplishment.
Modern pentathlon, one of the oldest Olympic disciplines, was introduced to Sri Lanka in 2016 during the Laser-Run City Tour held in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte.
The initiative was spearheaded by Modern Pentathlon Federation of Sri Lanka (MPFSL) President Nishanthe Piyasena, whose vision and leadership laid the foundation for the sport locally.
Unlike traditional disciplines that enjoy established training systems, coaching pathways, and national associations, modern pentathlon is uniquely complex, combining five demanding events: fencing, swimming, obstacle course, laser shooting, and running.
Preparing even one athlete for all five components is extremely challenging both technically and logistically, especially in a developing sporting environment like Sri Lanka. Despite these obstacles, the MPFSL has spent nearly a decade building structure, expertise, and pathways to develop competitive athletes who can meet international standards.
“This achievement is the result of steady, scientific, and disciplined development over the past 10 years,” said MPFSL Secretary General Dr. Prabod Munasinghe of the University of Moratuwa.
He further highlighted that the federation overcame numerous setbacks, including the Covid-19 pandemic, economic crisis, difficulty sourcing sponsorships, and the challenge of embedding a new sport into Sri Lankan culture.
“Against all odds, our athletes have carried Sri Lanka’s name onto the international stage,” he added.
Piyasena also acknowledged the critical intervention of the Minister of Sports, whose direct support secured Government funding for air tickets, making it possible for the athletes to participate in this vital qualifier.
“This was the first time Sri Lankan athletes competed in a modern pentathlon competition of this calibre,” he said. “The Minister placed complete confidence in the team and ensured they received the assistance needed to represent the country. His support played a major role in achieving this qualification.”
MPFSL Treasurer and National Technical Head Ushan Kodagoda served as Team Manager, guiding the athletes through the intense qualification process.
With this landmark qualification, modern pentathlon in Sri Lanka now stands on the edge of an exciting future. The sport’s unique mix of physical and mental skills opens doors for athletes with multi-disciplinary abilities, especially those dreaming of the Olympic pathway.
The MPFSL is already working towards long-term development plans, including a strategy aimed at the 2028 Olympic Games, with a vision to establish a strong pentathlon culture and create a wider talent pool across the country.
As Sri Lanka prepares for the 2026 Asian Games, the hope is that many such young athletes will take inspiration from this achievement and follow the path of De Silva and Dassanayake.