COLOMBO, August 22 (ePRESS) – Asian International School (AIS), Colombo marked a proud new chapter in its sporting history by ending a 16-year wait with a convincing 65-35 victory over St. Thomas’ Catholic International College, Seeduwa to win the Sri Lanka Schools Under-17 Girls’ B Division Basketball Championship at the Olympus Indoor Stadium in Malabe.
The 30-point victory in the final was the perfect finish to an impressive campaign built on teamwork and discipline. Every member of the AIS squad played a part in a title that brought pride not only to the team but also to the wider school community.
Zoe Verma Perera was rewarded for her outstanding contribution by being named the Most Valuable Player of the championship. Her consistency and influence throughout the tournament made her a key figure in AIS’s successful run.
Vice-captain Nethumi Wijendra was another driving force and received the Best Offensive Player award. Her attacking ability and willingness to take responsibility helped AIS maintain their scoring strength during the competition.
But AIS’s success was far more than the story of individual awards.
Captain Shrutika Sridharan led the side with commitment and responsibility, setting an example for her teammates during a memorable campaign. Vice-captains Nethumi Wijendra and Onadi Perera provided valuable support and leadership as AIS grew stronger with each match.
Zoe Verma Perera, Ruckshekha Sivakumaran, Rudeena Amarasinghe, Thinuli Ranasinghe, Retika Sridharan and Harisha Ratnakumar each made important contributions to the championship journey.
Whether through scoring, defending, creating opportunities, working for teammates or providing energy when the team needed it, every player had a role in turning AIS into a championship-winning unit.
AIS showed signs of their strength well before the final.
They defeated Sangamiththa Balika Vidyalaya, Galle 72-52 in the quarter-final, recording an impressive 20-point victory.
AIS then overcame St. Peter’s College, Negombo 54-38 in the semi-final at the Ballers Hub in Moratuwa. That 16-point win booked their place in the championship decider and moved the school one victory away from ending its long wait.
The players saved one of their strongest performances for the biggest occasion.
Behind the players was a committed group of officials whose support helped make the achievement possible.
Principal Harshana Perera gave his fullest backing to the school’s basketball programme, providing encouragement and support that allowed the young players to pursue success on the court.
Head of Sports Ms Nihara Bagoos played an important role in guiding and supporting the programme throughout the campaign, helping create an environment in which the players could develop and perform with confidence.
Coach Chathura Wickramage deserves special credit for shaping the players into a competitive and united team. His hard work, preparation and commitment were reflected in the team’s performances, particularly during the knockout stages.
Teachers-in-charge Ms Gimhani Gamage and Ms Shamali Rajapaksa were also an important part of the journey. Their dedication and support away from the spotlight helped the players remain focused throughout the championship.
