Sri Lanka were relegated to fourth place in the overall standings in the 11th South Asian Games as hosts Bangladesh secured the third spot behind India and Pakistan in Dhaka yesterday. Today will be a decisive day for the Sri Lankans who will look to take the lead by excelling in athletic and swimming events. Historically, the Sri Lankans have won a rich haul of medals in athletic events in the regional games.

Sri Lanka had trailed Bangladesh by a single gold medal on Saturday and on Sunday both Bangladesh and Sri Lanka went neck to neck winning six medals each. Four of Bangladesh’s six gold medals yesterday came in Karate.

Sri Lanka could have finished ahead of Bangladesh had their cricket team won the T-20 cricket final against the hosts, but they were beaten by six runs in a thrilling encounter. Gold in cricket meant that Bangladesh secured 14 gold medals one more than Sri Lanka’s 13.

This was the first time cricket was introduced at the regional event and Bangladesh, who beat Pakistan in the semi-final, reached 157 runs for seven in their 20 overs in front of a packed house. In reply, the Sri Lankans were bowled out for 151 in 19.1 overs.

India, who dominated the events right from the start were ahead with 67 gold medals by the end of day ten of the Games. They also collected 40 silver and 22 bronze medals and had taken an unassailable lead with a total of 129 medals. Pakistan with 17 gold medals were placed second.

Chandrika Subashini of Sri Lanka won twin gold medals finishing first in the women’s 200 and 400 meter races. Mineka Karunaratne was the other Sri Lankan to secure two gold medals winning the 50 and 100 meter breast stroke events in swimming.

Sri Lanka also won gold medals in the women’s high jump and the 4x100 men’s and women’s relay. While Tushara Fernando, Shehan Ambepitiya, Ashan Hasaranga and Shivantha Weerasooriya represented the men’s team, the women’s team comprised Dilrukshi Priyadarshini, Achala Dias, Sujani Buddika and Premila Priyadarshini.

It was Priyangika Maduwanthi who won the gold medal in high jump.

The 11th South Asian Games that got underway on the 29th of January will conclude on Tuesday. This is the third time the Bangladeshi capital is hosting the Games, thus becoming the fourth city to host the Games multiple times (after Colombo, Kathmandu and Islamabad). It is also the largest sporting event ever in the history of Bangladesh.