Amaya Kalukottage of Sri Lanka competes in the balance beam event of the women's artistic gymnastics team final at the World University Games in Chengdu, Aug. 3, 2023. (Xinhua/Zhang Liyun)
As Sri Lanka's first-ever and only artistic gymnast at the Universiade, Amaya Kalukottage received extra help and made friends in Chengdu.
CHENGDU, Aug. 3 (Xinhua) -- Amaya Kalukottage, Sri Lanka's first artistic gymnast attending the Universiade, stood alone on the field in women's qualifications on Thursday.
Meanwhile, Turkey's coach reached out to protect her on the uneven bars, and Austria's coach greeted and encouraged her.
"She came to the Games without a coach; she's really great and brave to compete here alone," said Turkey coach Ozgur Gumuslu. "We are very happy to help her. We are rivals, but we cherish the friendship at the Universiade."
Turkey coach Ozgur Gumuslu (C) poses with Kalukottage (L) and Sri Lanka delegation member Nena Nishanthi Vidanage (R). (Xinhua/Zhu Qing)
Kalukottage, a 23-year-old third-year student from Jayewardenepura University in Sri Lanka, is the nation's first-ever artistic gymnast to participate in the Universiade. She previously earned a women's team bronze medal at the Central South Asian Gymnastics Championships in 2021, held in Bangladesh.
"I'm very grateful to all the coaches from different countries and regions who offered me a lot of help. They are very kind and warm to me," said Kalukottage. "Thanks to these 'interim coaches' and lovely gymnasts who encouraged me, they made me feel not alone here." ■
