BATTARAMULLA, Colombo: (ePRESS) – Asian International School (AIS), the pioneer in introducing rowing to Sri Lanka’s international school circuit, once again showcased its prowess by securing the Boys’ Overall Championship at the Sri Lanka Junior Indoor National Rowing Championship, held at the Diyawanna Rowing Centre in Battaramulla, saw AIS rowers dominate the competition, proving that quality triumphs over quantity.
AIS, fielding a crew that included three national-level athletes, rowed their way to five gold medals, one silver, and three bronze medals, rising above the competition. Their performance reflected not just individual brilliance but also a collective synergy that set them apart from the rest of the pack.
Among the notable performances, Sri Lanka’s Asian-level medalist Shaylon Gunaratne lived up to his reputation, clinching gold in the Under-19 2000m Singles event, while his teammate Venuk Panduwawala rowed his heart out to secure the silver medal. In the Under-14 1000m Singles event, Sonal Tranchell displayed impressive control and strength to claim gold, with Joel Weerasinghe securing a well-earned bronze.
Shayden Gunaratna showed true grit in the Under-16 2000m individual event, powering through the competition to claim a well-deserved bronze medal. Despite rowing against opponents up to two years his senior, he kept his head in the game and dug deep to finish strong. With a display of skill, endurance, and determination, Shayden proved he has what it takes to compete with the best, turning the tide in his favor when it mattered most and showing that age is no barrier when you’re in top form.
AIS’s relentless drive for excellence was further reinforced in the Under-23 category, where Shivanedra Gunawardena delivered a powerhouse performance to claim gold, cementing AIS’s standing as a rowing powerhouse.
The final day saw AIS bagging two more gold medals and a bronze in team relay events, proving that teamwork and synchronization were just as important as individual skill. The AIS rowers struck gold in the Under-14 250m x 4 relay and the Under-19 500m x 4 relay, while the Under-16 500m x 4 relay team fought hard to secure a bronze medal.
AIS’s rowing program is a symbol of its commitment to nurturing both athletic and personal excellence. What makes their triumph even more remarkable is that the entire squad consists of students who have been with AIS since kindergarten, embodying the school’s persistent values of perseverance and loyalty.
Sonal Tranchell emerged as a rising star at the Sri Lanka Junior Indoor National Rowing Championship, claiming gold in the Under-14 1000m Singles. His impressive strength and technique highlight him as a promising future prospect for Sri Lanka’s national rowing team.
“Our rowers don’t just train to win—they train to inspire,” said AIS Principal Harshana Perera. “This victory is a reflection of their relentless dedication, the expert guidance of our coaches, and the unyielding spirit of AIS sports.”
The school’s Head of Sports, Ms. Nihara Bagoos, was equally proud of their achievement. “AIS has built a rowing program that stands at the pinnacle of international school sports and competes fiercely at the national level. This championship is just another milestone in our journey of excellence.”
AIS has firmly established itself as one of the top rowing institutions in Sri Lanka, standing shoulder to shoulder with the best in the sport. Their well-structured training program, combined with a passion for continuous improvement, has made them a force to be reckoned with on the water.
