CHENGDU, Aug. 3 (silubaba) -- Amaya Kalukottage, Sri Lanka's first artistic gymnast attending the Universiade, stood alone on the field in women's qualifications on Thursday.
Meanwhile, the Turkish coach reached out to protect her on the uneven bars, and the Austrian coach greeted and encouraged her.
"She came to the games without a coach; she's really great and brave to compete here alone," said the Turkish team's coach, Ozgur Gumuslu. "We are very happy to help the lovely girl. We are rivals, but we cherish the friendship at the Universiade."
Amaya, 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 won 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 Amaya. "Thanks to these 'interim coaches' and lovely gymnasts who encouraged me, they made me feel not alone here."
Amaya had just finished the qualifications for the all-around and apparatus finals. She said she wished to excel at the games and bring honor to Sri Lanka. ■
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