COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – For the first time in its history, Royal College Colombo sent an athletic team to the Taiwan National Middle School Athletic Championship, held from November 6 to 9 in Taichung, Taiwan. Led by athletic captain Dilitha Ganegoda, the team made a strong impact at the event. Ganegoda, a second-year college coloursman, public schools coloursman, 2017 athletic champion in the All Island School Games and Sir John Tarbat Junior Athletic Championship, guided his team through a tough field of nearly 500 athletes from countries like China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.
On the first day of the competition, Oneth Abeysinghe placed 7th in the Junior Discus Throw, securing a spot in the top 8 finalists. Rivindu Jayathissa finished 4th in the Senior 400m Heat, while Adithya Weerasinghe placed 3rd in the Junior 110m Hurdles Heat. Nethula Weerakoon led the Junior 100m Heat, placing 1st, while Ganegoda and Tehan Wijesuriya both placed 5th in the Senior 100m Heat. The Junior 4x100m Relay team finished 5th in their heat.
Day two saw more strong erformances. Adithya Weerasinghe placed 4th in the Junior 110m Hurdles Semi-Final, while Nethula Weerakoon secured a 4th-place finish in the Junior 100m Semi-Final.
On day three, Hansaka Wijesinghe placed 3rd in the Junior 400m Hurdles Semi-Final, and Rivindu Jayathissa followed closely with a 2nd-place finish in the Senior 400m Hurdles Semi-Final. Nethula Weerakoon finished 2nd in the Junior 200m Heats, while Tehas Karunaratne placed 4th and Tehan Wijesuriya placed 5th in their Senior 200m Heats. The Junior 4x400m Relay team secured 1st place in their semi-final.
The final day of competition was highlighted by the Royal College Junior 4x400m Relay team – Hansaka Wijesinghe, Nethula Weerakoon, Adithya Weerasinghe and Kavan Ekanayaka, which clinched the gold medal, setting a new meet record. Hansaka Wijesinghe finished 6th in the Junior 400m Hurdles Final, and Rivindu Jayathissa placed 5th in the Senior 400m Hurdles Final. Nethula Weerakoon finished 3rd in the Junior 200m Semi-Final, while Hirun Thilakarathna placed 10th in the Junior 200m.
Oneth Abeysinghe also performed well, reaching the final of the Junior Discus Throw event and finishing in 7th place. Rivindu Jayathissa qualified for the senior 400m Hurdles final and completed the race in 5th place. Nethula Weerakoon’s remarkable effort saw him reach the semi-finals in both the Junior 100m and 200m events.
The Royal College team was praised not only for their athletic achievements but also for their outstanding discipline, reflecting the core values of the college. Both the organizing committee and spectators admired the team’s exemplary behavior throughout the event. Their professionalism and respect for the competition inspired everyone involved, setting a positive example for all participants.
The Royal College team, along with Assistant Principal and Games Master Riyaz Aluher, Athletic Coach Prasanna Perera, and Teacher-in-Charge Supipi Serasinghe, took part in a series of seminars organized by Taiwan’s Ministry of Education. The seminars focused on coaching techniques, international sportsmanship, and innovative training methods.
This historic occasion was made possible by the support of the Royal College administration, parents, and coaching staff.
Front row (from left): Riyaz Aluher (Assistant Principal/Senior Games Master), Dilitha Ganegoda (Captain), Thilak Waththuhewa (Principal), Tehan Wijesuriya (Vice Captain), Supipi Serasinghe (Teacher-in-Charge).
Back row (from left): Rivindu Jayathissa, Hansaka Wijesinghe, Nethula Weerakoon, Hirun Thilakarathna, Oneth Abeysinghe, Adithya Weerasinghe, Thehas Karunaratne, Kavan Ekanayake.
