Amana Bank has announced the continuation of its sponsorship for Khalid Oshman, a visually impaired athlete who has become a source of inspiration within the Sri Lankan sports community by overcoming numerous challenges. Having initially partnered with Khalid as the official training sponsor in 2022, Amana Bank reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Khalid’s exceptional journey.
Having lost his eyesight at the age of 26 and raised as an orphan, Khalid Oshman has triumphed over immense challenges. Despite these hardships, he has emerged as a beacon of inspiration, competing in prestigious events and championing inclusivity and empowerment through sports. His remarkable achievements include winning a gold medal in the 100m sprint at the National Para Athletics 2024, a gold medal in blind boxing, and a silver medal in the 5km run at the 4th International South Asian Games in India. He has also completed multiple Ironman 70.3 competitions in Vietnam, India, and Sri Lanka, and has participated in numerous national and international marathons, consistently demonstrating exceptional resilience and determination. Additionally, Khalid represented Sri Lanka at the Blind T20 World Cup in both 2017 and 2022.
Expressing his gratitude for Amana Bank’s support Khalid Oshman stated, “I’m incredibly grateful for Amana Bank’s unwavering support as my Training Sponsor. Their commitment has been significant in my journey, allowing me to focus on my training and compete at the highest levels. The Bank has provided me with the stability and encouragement needed to overcome challenges and achieve my goals. This partnership is not just about financial support, but about believing in my potential and the positive impact we can create together. Raised an Orphan and having understood their challenges, I am also inspired by the OrphanCare imitative in which Amana Bank is a founding sponsor, where the programme is focusing on supporting orphan children once they are compelled to leave their care homes at the age of 18.”
Commenting on the Bank’s contribution, Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications Azim Rali stated “Having witnessed some of Khalid Oshman’s achievements firsthand, I can truly say his journey exemplifies resilience and determination. We are honored to once again stand by his side as he breaks barriers and sets new benchmarks in the world of sports. We are particularly happy that Khalid is championing our OrphanCare initiative, which resonates deeply with his own inspiring story. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to empowering individuals who drive positive change, and we wish Khalid every success in his pursuits.”
Amãna Bank PLC is a stand-alone institution licensed by the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and listed on the Colombo Stock Exchange, with Jeddah-based IsDB Group being the principal shareholder of the Bank. The IsDB Group is a ‘AAA’ rated multilateral development financial institution with a membership of 57 countries. Testifying its position as a leading practitioner of the non-interest based banking model, Amãna Banks continued to be recognised amongst the Top 50 Strongest Islamic Bank’s in the World by The Asian Banker. Amãna Bank does not have any subsidiaries, associates, or affiliated institutions apart from its engagement with OrphanCare as its Founding Sponsor.