Amãna Bank is honoured to continue its support towards visually impaired Sri Lankan athlete Khalid Oshman as he prepares to compete at the 2026 IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship in Nice, France, marking a significant milestone in his remarkable sporting journey.
Held on 12 and 13 September 2026, the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship brought together leading triathletes from across the globe, all having earned their place to compete on one of the sport’s most prestigious international stages.
Having lost his eyesight at the age of 26, Khalid has gone on to challenge perceived limitations through endurance sport. He has completed five IRONMAN 70.3 events and participated in several international endurance challenges including marathons and ultra marathons, while also representing Sri Lanka in blind cricket and blind boxing. His qualification for the World Championship stands as a testament to his determination, discipline and perseverance.
An IRONMAN 70.3 comprises a 1.9 km swim, 90 km cycling leg and 21.1 km run, covering a combined distance of 113 km. Khalid’s participation in Nice will therefore mark another significant milestone in his journey and serve as an inspiration to others facing physical disabilities.
Amãna Bank’s association with Khalid dates back to 2022, when the Bank came forward as his training sponsor. Since then, the Bank has continued to support Khalid’s sporting ambitions as he challenged himself at national and international competitions and progressively set new benchmarks in his endurance journey.
Commenting on the partnership, Amãna Bank Assistant Vice President Marketing and Corporate Communications Azim Rali said, “Khalid’s journey is one of extraordinary courage, resilience and belief. His qualification for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship is an achievement that goes far beyond sport. It demonstrates what can be accomplished when determination is stronger than the challenges before us. Amãna Bank is immensely proud to have supported Khalid over the years and is delighted to stand alongside him as he carries the Sri Lankan flag onto the world stage in France.”
Expressing his appreciation, Khalid Oshman said, “Qualifying for the IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship is a dream I have worked towards for many years. I am deeply grateful to Amãna Bank for continuing to believe in me and support my journey. I am honoured to represent Sri Lanka in France and hope my participation inspires others to believe that challenges need not limit what they can achieve.”
Khalid’s relationship with Amãna Bank also carries a special connection through the Bank’s flagship social responsibility initiative, OrphanCare. Having himself been raised as an orphan, Khalid has previously expressed his support for the initiative and its mission of empowering orphan children as they transition into adulthood.
Through its continued partnership with Khalid, Amãna Bank aims to further encourage inclusion and empowerment while celebrating individuals who challenge limitations, inspire communities and demonstrate the potential of the human spirit.
Image Caption : Khalid Oshman -Sri Lankan athlete Khalid Oshman , Azim Rali - Assistant Vice President Marketing and Corporate Communications
