Colombo, Feb 18, 9PM – Colombo Hockey Association and Wennappuwa Hockey Association were the big winners at the 44th Men’s and 3rd Women’s Junior (Under-21) National Hockey Championship hosted by the Sri Lanka Hockey Federation. The tournament ran from February 14 to 17 at Shalika Grounds in Colombo 5.
Nadali Sirimanna from Combine University HA stood out as the Best Woman Player, while Nethmina Dharmakeerthi from Matale HA earned the title of Best Men’s Player of the four-day tournament. Neeliya Kawshini of Wennappuwa HA was recognized as the Best Goalkeeper for the Women’s category, and Helaruwan Karunarathne of Kandy HA received the Men’s Best Goalkeeper award.
In the Women’s finals, Wennappuwa HA triumphed with a 1-0 win against Kandy HA, thanks to Dinuli Perera’s winning goal.
Meanwhile, in the Men’s final match, Colombo HA emerged victorious over Matale HA with a score of 2-1. Keshan Atigala scored both goals for Colombo HA, while N Dharmakeerthi netted the lone goal for the runner-up Matale HA.
In the Women’s category, Colombo Hockey Association secured third place by defeating Combined University Hockey Association by 4-3 in the penalty stroke after a scoreless original time.
In the Men’s category, Kandy Hockey Association claimed third place by defeating Sri Lanka Schools Hockey Association (Maroons Team) 1-0, with Bhanuka Weerasinghe scoring the decisive goal.