Dhaka, Feb 4, 11AM – In the heart of Dhaka, amidst the lush greenery of the Kurmitola Golf Club, Sri Lanka’s golf sensation, Uchitha Ranasinghe, etched his name in the annals of the sport with a spectacular third-place finish at the Orion 37th Bangladesh Amateur Golf Championship.
The four-round tournament, featuring 36 global contenders, saw Ranasinghe navigate the challenging 72-hole course with finesse. Representing the Royal Colombo Golf Club, the 27-year-old prodigy carded a total gross of 293. His journey, marked by rounds of 77, 72, 70, and 74, showcased a remarkable display of skill and determination.
As the son of Asian Games silver medalist Anura Rohana, golf excellence runs in Ranasinghe’s blood. Notably, Rohana himself had triumphed in this very championship in 2000 and 2002, adding an extra layer of significance to Uchitha’s achievement.
The intensity of the competition was evident, with Ranasinghe finishing just five strokes behind the champion, Shahab Uddin of Bangladesh. Uddin’s stellar performance resulted in a gross total of 288, securing the top spot. The runner-up, Baker Siddik, also from Bangladesh, managed a gross total of 290, leaving Ranasinghe a mere three strokes adrift.
Reflecting on his accomplishment, Uchitha Ranasinghe expressed, “This is a special moment in my career. The first time I’ve secured the third place in an international tournament. I am truly elated to achieve this feat.”
Joining Ranasinghe in the limelight was another Sri Lankan talent, Chalitha Pushpika of the Sri Lanka Navy. Pushpika’s consistent and commendable performance throughout the four-day event earned him a well-deserved seventh-place finish, concluding with a total gross of 301.
The Sri Lanka Golf team, represented by Ranasinghe and Pushpika, also made its mark, securing the third position in the team rankings. The duo’s combined gross of 300 in the first two rounds showcased the strength of Sri Lanka’s golfing prowess on the international stage.
Chanaka Perera, playing as a private entry, added to Sri Lanka’s representation, finishing 21st out of 36 participants. Perera’s journey saw him overcoming challenges, with a final gross total of 316.
In the team standings, the Sri Lankan duo of Ranasinghe and Pushpika secured third place with a combined gross of 300 after the first two rounds. Meanwhile, Bangladesh’s A and B teams clinched the Championship and Runner-up spots with gross scores of 287 and 296, respectively. 
Driving to victory: Ranasinghe’s career best at Bangladesh Championship
