Dinusha Kumari Perera, a distinguished Sri Lankan karateka, has achieved a significant milestone in her career with her appointment as the Women’s Karate Coach at Sharjah Women’s Sports Club on November 18. This prestigious role is a testament to her remarkable talent, accomplishments, and potential, marking a pivotal advancement in her coaching journey.
Dinusha’s path from national champion to international coach exemplifies her unwavering dedication and expertise. Her coaching career in Dubai commenced at the JKS Karate Academy, where she refined her skills by working with students from various backgrounds. Now, armed with her UAE Karate Federation Black 3 coaching license, she has elevated her professional standing, becoming part of an elite group of professionals shaping the future of karate in the UAE.
As the Women’s Karate Coach at Sharjah Women’s Sports Club, Dinusha is committed to inspiring athletes by imparting the wealth of experience she has amassed over two decades of competition and coaching. “This appointment is not merely a personal achievement; it’s a chance to mentor and uplift others in the sport I cherish,” she affirms. Dinusha is fervent about encouraging young athletes, particularly women, to pursue their aspirations in karate. Her coaching extends beyond techniques, fostering discipline, resilience, and confidence in her students.
A 3rd Dan Black Belt, Dinusha has always harbored a profound passion for sports. According to her father, Chandrasoma Perera, Dinusha exhibited exceptional athletic prowess from a young age, frequently engaging in sports with her siblings, including her late brother who passed away ten years ago. Born as the fourth child, her parents fondly remember her innate fighting spirit as a defining trait. “She was a natural,” recalls her mother, Mallika Perera, noting that Dinusha excelled in all sports during her school years. Despite recognizing her potential, they never envisioned she would reach such heights.
Her father, who operates a lathe workshop, recounts the numerous sacrifices the family made to support her dreams amidst financial difficulties. Dinusha expresses heartfelt gratitude for these sacrifices, crediting her parents, especially her mother, for her success. Dinusha’s latest appointment is bolstered by her illustrious career as an athlete. She is a seven-time National Sports Festival Kumite Champion (55kg) and has garnered numerous international medals, including gold at the 2011 South Asian Senior Karate Championship in New Delhi, gold at the 6th World Gojukai Karate Championship (2013), and silver at the 2019 South Asian Games in Kathmandu (50kg Kumite).
Her participation in prestigious global events such as the 2016 World Karate Championships in Austria and the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta further cements her status as one of Sri Lanka’s most accomplished karatekas. Dinusha’s aspirations extend beyond her personal achievements. She envisions using her role to promote karate in both the UAE and Sri Lanka. “I aspire to inspire the next generation of karatekas and enhance the sport by sharing my expertise and experiences,” she states. Dinusha dreams of advancing women’s karate in the UAE, leveraging her experience and connections with the Emirates Karate Federation. However, her heart remains deeply connected to her homeland. She hopes to utilize her influence to elevate karate in Sri Lanka, where she left an enduring legacy as a champion.
Despite pursuing opportunities abroad, she holds a lifelong dream of representing Sri Lanka at the 2028 Olympics. With her new role in Sharjah, Dinusha is poised to make a substantial impact on the sport at both grassroots and professional levels. Her journey, from a young girl inspired by martial arts films to an internationally recognized coach, serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes.
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