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Ranatunge Karunananda: Most courageous and spirited loser at 1964 Tokyo Olympics- By Rear Admiral Dr Shemal Fernando PhD Ranatunge Karunananda-Karunananda (number 67) of Sri Lanka booed by Murray Halberg of New Zealand Source:Sundayobserver At a time, the cynosure of all eyes is on the Olympic City of Tokyo, it is befitting to pay a tribute to one of Sri Lanka’s legendary athletes who made an indelible mark in the hearts of the people of Japan as the most courageous and spirited loser of the Tokyo 1964 Summer Olympic Games. Tokyo will be hosting the Olympic Games, after 57 years, commencing from July 23, 2021 and Japan should be congratulated for their enormous contributions to Olympism. Born on May 21, 1936, Ranatunge Karunananda, affectionately known as ‘Karu’ showed great promise as an athlete while growing up. Even though he joined the Sri Lanka Army, he pursued his dream of becoming an ...