COLOMBO, Jan 15, 6.45PM – The Sri Lanka Army Judo Team emerged victorious for the eighth consecutive year at the 60th National Judo Championship, which concluded on Sunday at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. Organized by the Sri Lanka Judo Federation, this two-day championship held in two venues, with the first day hosted at YMCA Colombo.
In both the Men’s and Women’s categories, the Sri Lanka Army exhibited dominance, maintaining an unbroken winning streak that stretches back eight years. This remarkable record includes a brief interruption in 2019 when their Women’s team finished as runners-up to the Sri Lanka Air Force. In the latest championship, Sri Lanka Air Force’s Chamara Dharmawardena claimed the Men’s National Champion title, while Army’s Hiruni Imesha secured the Women’s National Champion title.
The Sri Lanka Army Men’s team displayed outstanding performance, securing six gold medals, eight silver medals, and six bronze medals to clinch the championship for the eighth consecutive year. Sri Lanka Air Force secured the runners-up position with five gold medals, two silver medals, and eight bronze medals. The Sri Lanka Navy Men’s team claimed the third spot with one silver medal and three bronze medals.
The Women’s team of the Sri Lanka Army displayed their dominance with five gold medals, three silver medals, and three bronze medals. The Sri Lanka Air Force Women’s Team secured the runners-up position with four gold medals, six silver medals, and four bronze medals, while the Sri Lanka Navy Women’s team claimed the third spot with two gold medals and three bronze medals.
Key player Hiruni Imesha from the champion Army Women’s team delivered a stellar performance, winning two gold medals and contributing to a silver medal in a team event. In the Men’s category, Olympic-qualified judoka Chamara Nuwan Dharmawardhana was crowned the Men’s National Champion.
The Sri Lanka Army Men’s team, comprised of 26 members and captained by Dharmawardhana, showcased exceptional teamwork throughout the championship. The Army Women’s team, consisting of 11 players, demonstrated their performance under the coaching of KLCK Leemagastenne since 2019.
The awards ceremony was graced by the presence of Major General WGADW Nanayakkara, the Wanni Commander and President of the Army Judo Committee, who served as the chief guest. Wing Commander Majula Weerasinghe, the President of the Sri Lanka Judo Association, also attended the event.
