EmpowHer – Celebrating Strength, Excellence and the Power of Women in Sport.
An Initiative by the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka.
By: Thasmina Sookoor
The National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka (NOC Sri Lanka) successfully concluded its International Women’s Day celebration programme, EmpowHER, on the 31st of March 2026 at the Sri Lanka Olympic House, marking a significant step in advancing women’s leadership in sport. Bringing together 74 participants from across the island, including Colombo, Kandy, Galle, and Anuradhapura, the initiative celebrated the contributions of women coaches, mentors, and champions under the global theme “Give to Gain.” The programme was thoughtfully designed to recognize the pivotal role coaches play in shaping athletes and strengthening Sri Lanka’s sporting ecosystem. Through insightful sessions led by distinguished resource persons, participants gained valuable knowledge and inspiration. A standout feature was the Interactive Activity Stations, which fostered hands-on learning, collaboration, and practical application. The event also featured an energizing Zumba session, promoting fitness, confidence, and community spirit, creating a vibrant and empowering atmosphere for all involved.
Suresh Subramaniam: President of the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka.
“EmpowHER stands as a powerful reminder that the true strength of sport lies not only in performance, but in the people who shape it. This programme has celebrated and empowered the remarkable women coaches and mentors across Sri Lanka who continue to give selflessly of their time, knowledge, and passion to uplift others. The diversity and commitment shown by participants from across the island reflects a growing movement towards greater inclusion, leadership, and opportunity for women in sport. Through meaningful knowledge-sharing, interactive engagement, and recognition of excellence, we aimed to reinforce the spirit of ‘Give to Gain’, where investing in people creates lasting impact for generations to come. At the NOC Sri Lanka, we remain committed to fostering an environment where women in sport are supported, valued, and given every opportunity to lead, inspire, and succeed.”
Niloo Jayatilake, Chairperson Gender Equity Committee, Vice President National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka and Executive Board Member Olympic Council of Asia
“Today, we gather not just to mark International Women's Day, we gather to honour the women who show up. The women who wake up early, stay late, give generously, and ask for very little in return. The coaches who see potential in a young athlete before the athlete sees it in themselves. The mentors who open doors, hold space and walk alongside. This year's theme speaks directly to the spirit in this room. Because every woman here understands, deeply and personally, what it means to give. To give your time, your knowledge, your encouragement, your belief, and in doing so to gain something that cannot be measured in trophies or titles; the knowledge, that changes someone's trajectory. And that because of you someone stayed in sport. Someone found their courage. Someone became a leader.
Leadership and mentorship in sport are not just skills, they are acts of love. They are the quiet conversations after the metraining; the honest feedback delivered with care. These are the moments that shape athletes. These are the moments that shape the future of sport in Sri Lanka.
At the National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka, we believe and we will keep saying it until it is simply the way things are, that women must not only participate in sport, but must lead it, as coaches, as administrators, as decision-makers, as role models and for the next generation of girls who are watching right now, to see if there is a place for them. Today's programme is designed for our coaches because we recognize your development, your growth, your network and your wellbeing matter. When we invest in coaches, we invest in every athlete they will every touch.”
The Power of Giving: How Coaches Shape Champions Beyond the Game
Duminda Silva (Attorney-at-Law), Chairman Sri Lanka Basketball National Selection Committee, Vice President – Head of Branches & Distribution, DFCC Bank PLC
This speech explored the profound impact of coaches within the sporting ecosystem, centred on the idea that true success in sport is built on the principle of giving. Under the theme The Power of Giving, it highlighted how coaches shape not only successful athletes but also well-rounded individuals who thrive beyond competition. Coaches were recognised as the true givers in sport, dedicating time, energy, knowledge, and experience to athlete development, often without seeking recognition. Special attention was given to women coaches, who frequently go beyond training to serve as mentors, counsellors, and role models, playing a vital role in building confidence, discipline, and resilience in young athletes. The speech introduced three fundamental pillars of effective coaching. The first pillar, mental resilience, focused on preparing athletes to manage pressure, overcome setbacks, and remain focused in challenging situations. The second pillar, physical fitness, emphasized discipline, conditioning, and the importance of maintaining peak performance through healthy lifestyles. The third pillar, skill set development, highlighted the continuous learning and technical expertise required to help athletes compete at higher levels. Together, these pillars form a holistic framework that shapes not only champions in sport but also individuals with strong character and values. In the context of International Women’s Day, the speech reinforced the importance of empowering more women to take on leadership roles in coaching and administration, recognizing that inclusive leadership strengthens the entire sporting community. Ultimately, the speech conveys a powerful message: when coaches give selflessly, athletes gain strength, confidence, and opportunity and in doing so, champions are created not just in sport, but in life.
Health and Wellness Beyond Performance: Empowering Women in Sport as Lifestyle Influencers
Prof. Chathuranga Ranasinghe. Professor in Sport and Exercise Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo and Medical Committee Member, National Olympic Committee of Sri Lanka
“In today’s evolving sporting landscape, success is no longer defined solely by medals and records. The focus has shifted toward a more meaningful goal, health and wellness beyond performance.
At the heart of this transformation are women in sport, not only as athletes, but also as coaches, administrators, and mothers who embody the spirit of the Olympic movement, especially in a month that celebrates International Women’s Day. Guided by the values of excellence, respect, and friendship, women in sport are uniquely positioned to influence the next generation. Their role extends beyond competition to shaping attitudes, behaviours, and lifestyles among young people. Lifestyle medicine, an emerging field addressing the rise of noncommunicable diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, and heart disease, provides a strong foundation for this influence. Built on evidence-based pillars including physical activity, balanced nutrition, quality sleep, stress management, and positive social connections, it aligns closely with Olympic values. Together, they promote not only physical fitness but also holistic well-being and character development. Female athletes who prioritize balance send a powerful message that success is rooted in consistency, self-respect, and resilience. Coaches who integrate well-being into training develop healthier individuals alongside stronger athletes, while women administrators shape inclusive and supportive sporting environments. Mothers also play a vital role in nurturing confidence and resilience. As visible role models, women in sport inspire healthier choices and stronger communities. By aligning lifestyle medicine with Olympic values, they can help build a future where young people grow into healthier and more resilient citizens.”
Identity: The Ultimate Competitive Edge
Mifra Sadikeen, Entrepreneur, Wellness Advocate, Host of Raise the Bar Podcast, Columnist, The Sun (Daily Mirror) and Former MD Gaia Skin Naturals Sri Lanka
“At some point, every athlete encounters a reality that is often left unspoken. Sport is not forever. No matter how extraordinary the achievements or how long the success lasts, there comes a moment when competition fades, and a new chapter begins. The real question is not about past victories, but about identity beyond the game. When an athlete’s sense of self is defined only by performance, the transition out of sport can feel uncertain and overwhelming. That is why the years spent competing are about far more than medals or recognition. They are an opportunity to build something lasting. They are a time to develop mindset, discipline, relationships, and a strong sense of purpose that extends beyond the field. The qualities that drive success in sport such as resilience, focus, and consistency are not confined to competition. They are strengths that can shape success in every area of life. However, this evolution does not happen by chance. It requires awareness and intention. Athletes must begin to ask themselves what they are building alongside their sporting careers and who they are becoming beyond their roles and titles. One day, the spotlight will shift, and introductions will change. When that moment comes, it is important to step forward with confidence, knowing that personal value has already been established beyond sport. True success is not only defined by peak performance, but by the ability to grow, adapt, and transition with purpose into the next phase of life.”
