Former Olympian and South Asian record holder Yupun Abeykoon withdrew from the 100m event at the 102nd National Athletics Championship 2024 on Wednesday, potentially affecting his plans for an Olympic berth.

Abeykoon, South Asia’s fastest sprinter, made his return to the local track after 2019 but had to pull out midway through heat 3. It is suspected that a recent injury led to his early exit after just a few steps.