COLOMBO: (ePRESS) – Musaeus College, a prominent name in swimming competitions, emerged victorious in the Women’s Championship of the Intermediate Age Group Swimming Championship held at the Air Force Swimming Pool Complex in Ratmalana, organized by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU).
Last year, Musaeus College secured third place, but this time they dominated the tournament, collecting a massive 199 points to clinch the title. Bishop’s College followed as the runners-up with 107 points, while Viharamaha Devi Balika Vidyalaya Kiribathgoda secured the third place with 71 points over the four-day event.
In a close competition, Lyceum International School Panadura finished fourth with 70 points, just one point behind Viharamaha Devi Balika Kiribathgoda. Royal International School secured fifth place with 64 points, and Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya earned 60 points for the sixth place.
The tournament featured 52 girls’ schools, among which Ladies’ College, Lyceum International School Gampaha, Aqua Swimming Club, and Mahamaha Girls College Kandy secured the seventh to tenth positions respectively.
Musaeus College’s team, led by captain Vinuki Perera and vice-captain Kalashi Ranabahu, consisted of 35 swimmers. Despite last-minute setbacks with two swimmers falling ill, 33 swimmers competed across various age groups – Under-11, Under-15, Under-17, and Under-20.
Throughout the tournament, Musaeus College secured five first-place finishes across the age groups, along with 12 second places and four third places. Notably, Rushalee Dissanayake excelled in the Under-15 category, positioning herself as a potential champion in her age group.
Expressing pride in the team’s performance, Vinuki Perera, the captain, said, “I’m really proud of our team, especially since this is our first meet of the season after Novices 2024. I think it’s a good beginning, and I hope we can continue to challenge other teams in future tournaments.”
On the first day, in the under-11 category, Dulansa Wijethunga claimed the 1st place in the 50m Breaststroke event. Moving to the under-15 category, Rushalee Disanayake emerged victorious in the 200m Backstroke and secured the 1st place. She also attained the 2nd place in the 100 Butterfly event. Senuki De Silva secured the 2nd place in the 200m IM event, while Naduli Gamage claimed the 3rd place in the 400m Freestyle event.
In the under-17 category, Vinara Palihakkara achieved the 2nd place in both the 400m Freestyle and 200 IM events.In the under-20 category, Yomalee Soysa claimed the 1st place in the 400m Freestyle event. Moving to the achievements of the second day, Rushalee Disanayake secured the 1st place in the 800m Freestyle event and the 2nd place in the 400IM event in the under-15 category. Senuki De Silva secured the 3rd place in the 800m Freestyle event, while Naduli Gamage secured the 2nd place in the 50 Back event.
In the under-17 category, Vinara Palihakkara secured the 2nd place in the 200m Breaststroke event. In the under-20 category, Yomalee Soysa secured the 2nd place in both the 50m Back and 100 Freestyle events.
On the third day, Rushalee Dissanayake secured the 1st place in the 100m Backstroke event in the under-15 category. Naduli Gamage secured the 2nd place in the 100m Backstroke and the 3rd place in the 200m Freestyle events. Chanumi Siyathra secured the 3rd place in the 50m Freestyle event.
In the under-17 category, Vinara Palihakkara secured the 2nd place in the 100m Breaststroke event. In the under-20 category, Yomalee Soysa secured the 2nd place in the 200m Freestyle event.
The success of Musaeus College’s swimming team can be attributed to the dedication and guidance provided by Mrs. Buddhisha Welikanne, the Teacher-in-Charge, and Shehan Dassanayake, the Head Coach, who played pivotal roles in shaping the team’s performance.
