Herath almost gave up his Paralympic dream due to hardship

On Sep 15, 2021

Sri Lanka’s Paralympics Gold Medallist Dinesh Priyantha Herath said at one time he almost gave up sports but was encouraged by the governing body to continue with his training.

The Sri Lankan hero at the Tokyo Paralympics made these observations during a Live TV programme titled ‘tribute to our Paralympic Heroes’ on ITN yesterday.

Herath revealed that it was the officials of the National Paralympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NPCSL) that convinced him to continue training with a target of winning medals at world stage when he had given up training due to various difficulties.

“If they didn’t encourage me at that time sometimes, it would have been the end of my sporting career.”

“We all have hidden talents and it has to be brushed up through correct guidance. I also take this opportunity to give a message to all young athletes especially in rural areas to come out with more determination.”

“It was a combined team effort by the National Paralympic Committee of Sri Lanka that paved the path for me to gain that extra distance and go for the gold.”

“Colonel Deepal Herath and General Ampemohotti were instrumental in getting me back on track.”

“When I stopped training, they spoke to my wife and convinced her that I should continue training and not give up. They had confidence that I have the potential to go all the way.”