COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – Asian International School (AIS) emerged victorious in the Junior Men’s Championship at the 39th Sri Lanka National Rowing Championship, cementing their status as the leading force in rowing among Sri Lankan schools. Held at the Diyawanna Rowing Centre in Battaramulla over four days, the event highlighted the mastery of AIS athletes against competitors from both public and international schools.
Under the expert guidance of Nihara Bagoos, Head of Sports at AIS, and led by co-captains Shaylon Gunaratna and Yusuf Rizmeer, the AIS team exhibited exceptional talent, outperforming formidable opponents in the Men’s Junior Championship category. Notable adversaries such as S Thomas’ College, Royal College, and Ananda College were overcome by the sheer endurance and skill of the AIS crew.
AIS’s dominance was evident as they secured an impressive haul of medals, including 10 gold, six silver, and two bronze. Shaylon Gunaratna’s outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Schoolboy Sculler Shield, adding to the team’s accolades.
Among the AIS men’s junior crew were four members from the National Rowing Squad: Shaylon Gunaratna, Rovinya Wijesekera, Shivendra Goonewardene, and Venuk Panduwawala. Three AIS oarsmen, Luqman Rizmeer, Diyan Haleemdeen, and Joel Weerasingham, represented the National Youth Development Program, while Sonal Tranchell and Shayden Gunaratna were part of the National Development Squad.
The individual achievements of AIS members were also remarkable. Sonal Tranchell secured gold in the Under 14 Boys Single Scull, while Shayden Gunaratna grabbed the silver. Luquman Rizmeer and Shayden Gunaratna claimed gold in the Under 14 Boys Double Scull, with Diyan Haleemdeen and Joel Weerasingham securing silver. In the Under 14 Boys Quadruple Scull, Luquman Rizmeer, Sonal Tranchell, Diyan Haleemdeen, Joel Weerasingham, and Liyan Jayasena emerged victorious with a gold medal.
In other categories, Inesh Peiris won silver in the Under 16 Boys Single Scull, while Venuk Panduwawala, Chanul Vithanage, Ra’ed Cader, Inesh Peiris, and Liyan Jayasena secured gold in the Under 16 Boys Quadruple Scull. Venuk Panduwawala and Chanul Vithanage also clinched gold in the Under 16 Boys Double Scull.
In the Women’s Junior Championship, Rovinya Wijesekera secured silver in the Under 18 Girls Scull, adding to AIS’s impressive medal haul.
AIS’s dominance was further highlighted by Shaylon Gunaratna’s gold in the Under 18 Boys Single Scull, alongside his victory with Shivanedra Goonewardna in the Under 18 Boys Double Scull event. Daanish Haleemdeen, Aaron Weerasingham, Yusuf Rizmeer, and Shivanedra Goonewardna also contributed to AIS’s success by securing gold in the Under 18 Boys Quadruple Scull.
In summary, AIS’s triumph at the Sri Lanka National Rowing Championship reaffirms its position as the pioneer in international school rowing in Sri Lanka. Through dedication, skill, and teamwork, AIS athletes have once again showed their dominance on the national stage, bringing pride and honor to their school and community.
