California, USA: (ePRESS) – Sri Lanka made a strong mark at the ongoing 6th Carrom World Cup in the United States, clinching two bronze medals in the doubles category and securing spots in both the men’s and women’s team finals. The tournament, which features the world’s best carrom talent, has seen Sri Lanka emerge as a formidable contender.
The men’s doubles pair of Shaheed Hilmy, the national team captain, and Anas Ahamed claimed the bronze medal in a tightly contested event. Both players, alumni of Royal College Colombo, excelled under pressure to secure their podium finish.
In the women’s doubles category, Tharushi Himahansika, an undergraduate at the University of Sri Jayewardenepura, teamed up with Hirushi Malshani from the Sri Lanka Air Force Sports Club. The pair, both former students of Mahamaya Balika Vidyalaya Nugegoda, displayed a strong performance to bring home the bronze.
Meanwhile, the defending champions, the Sri Lankan men’s team, advanced to the finals with a dominant run. The team, led by captain Shaheed Hilmy, also features former world champion Nishantha Fernando, national top-ranked player Anas Ahamed, and Air Force SC’s rising star Kaveen Nimneth. The squad will face arch-rivals India today.
The Sri Lankan women’s team also booked their place in the final, aiming to dethrone the unbeaten Indian side, who have won all five previous editions of the World Cup. Sri Lanka, the defending runners-up, fields a talented squad led by national number one Joseph Roshita of Sri Lanka Navy, along with Tharushi Himahansika, Hirushi Malshani, and Tashmila Kavindi from the Air Force SC.
Despite India’s formidable reputation, Sri Lanka’s recent performances have boosted confidence within the team. Captain Shaheed Hilmy expressed optimism:
“We’ve prepared hard for this moment. Facing India in the final is always a challenge, but we’re ready to give it our all.”
