Colombo, Jan 28, 9.45PM – The Defence Service Hockey Association emerged as champions in the National Hockey Championship, winning the final against Mercantile Hockey Association with a score of 8-1 in the LOLC 60th Men’s Hockey National Championship. The tournament, organized by the Sri Lanka Hockey Association, concluded at the Shalika Grounds in Colombo 5 yesterday.
In the exciting final, key players like captain Lahiru Weerasuriya and D Sandaruwan scored two goals each, while PU Fernando added two more. MS Suresh and KH Thilakasiri also scored one goal each for Defence Services HA. Buddhika Dias managed to score the only goal for the Runners-up Mercantile HA.
For the battle for third place, State Services HA secured a 5-1 victory over Wennappuwa HA. Abitha Fernando (3), S Priyalanka (1), and R Kavinda (1) were the goal scorers for State Services HA, with RB de Alwis netting the only goal for Wennappuwa HA.
Ishanka Jayasundara of Defence Services HA received the Men’s Best Player Award, while his teammate Dharatha Tenne was honored with the Best Goalkeeper Award for their outstanding performance in the three-day tournament.
In the 25th National Women’s Hockey Championship, Kandy Hockey Association and Defence Service Hockey Association shared the championship title with a 1-1 draw. The final between Kandy HA and Defence Services HA ended in a tie after the original time. Vimukthini Kaluarachchi scored two goals for Defence Service HA, and Sandya Dayananda netted for Kandy HA.
Wennappuwa HA secured third place by defeating Colombo HA with a score of 3-0.
Imesha Weerabahu from Defence Services HA received the Women’s Best Player Award, while Sakunthala Illeperuma of Kandy HA was named the Women’s Best Goalkeeper.
