News

05 Greatest Trophies Across Different Sports

Published

4 years ago

October 13, 2020

Editor

FIFA World Cup Trophy

Awarded For: Winning Football World Cup
Made of: 18-carat gold
Introduced in: 1974 FIFA World Cup
Designer: Stabilimento Artistico Bertoni (Italy)

The trophy is given to the World Cup-winning team every four years, the “FIFA World Cup Trophy” is made of gold and it replaced the first world cup trophy called “Jules Rimet Trophy” after the 1970 world cup. It was first introduced in the 1974 world cup and made of pure 18-carat gold and weighs around 6.1 kilograms. Its design feature two human bodies holding earth”.

2. The Ashes (Cricket)

Awarded for: Winner of annual 5 test match series between England-Australia
Made of: terracotta and contains a burnt bail
Introduced in: 1883-84 test series between England-Australia

Early history accounts vary but its widely considered that after 1882 test series win by Australia in England. British newspaper “Sporting times” published an article about “death of cricket in England and Ashes set to be taken to Australia” referring to Australia win against England. A year later when England travel to Australia for the test series, English captain vowed to take back the Ashes.

3. Wimbledon (Men’s singles Tennis)

Awarded For: Men’s singles winner
Made of: Silver Gilt, Height 18 inches
Introduced in: first presented by All England Club in 1887, it replaced the Field Cup used in previous 6 years.

First ever Wimbledon Championship took place in 1877 and a trophy called “Field Cup” was awarded to the winner of men’s singles event. But William Renshaw won three titles in a row twice hence keeping the “field cup (1877-83) and Champions Cup (1984-86). That prompted All England Club to present a new trophy to the winner which was made of silver gilt and it was decided that players cannot keep the trophy no matter how many times they win the event.

4. Webb Ellis Cup (Rugby)

Awarded For: Winning Rugby Union World Cup
Made of: Gilded silver, weights around 4.5 kg
Introduced in: 1987 Rugby World Cup
Designer: Carrington & Co. of London designed the original trophy back in 1906

The Webb Ellis Cup was introduced in the first Rugby Union World Cup and awarded to the winner. The trophy used was actually a historic silverware made back in 1906 by Carrington and Co of London. When Rugby World Cup 1987 was announced, secretary of International Rugby Federation set off on finding an appropriate trophy for the world cup and he visited “Garrard & Co” Jewelers in London where this trophy was shown to him. He liked the design and presented it to Rugby countries participating in the first every world cup.

5.Stanley Cup (NHL)

Awarded For: Winning playoffs in National Hockey League (NHL)
Made of: Silver and nickel alloy, weighs at around 15.5 kilograms
Introduced in: 1893 for the best amateur ice hockey team in canada
Designer: Named after Lord Stanley, who brought a simple rose-bowl which was made in Sheffield England and used it as a trophy awarded to Canada’s best amateur hockey team every year.

Stanley Cup has a rich history and it is named after its very first owner Lord Stanley who was the governor of Canada in last 1880’s to early 1990’s. He was ICE Hockey enthusiast. Lord Stanley alongside his family played a key role in Ice Hockey development in Canada starting an yearly amateur “Dominion Hockey Challenge Cup”.

Football

Sri Lanka Faces Thailand in AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers – Live

Published

23 hours ago

March 25, 2025

Editor

Sri Lanka is set to take on Thailand in a crucial AFC Asian Cup Qualifier today. With history favoring Thailand in past encounters, the Sri Lankan squad will look to turn the tide and secure a positive result.

Sri Lanka has struggled in previous meetings, losing all five of their last encounters against Thailand, including a 2-0 defeat in their most recent clash in 2022. However, with a revamped squad and fresh motivation, they aim to challenge their higher-ranked opponents.

Thailand, known for its structured play and attacking prowess, will be looking to continue its dominance. Meanwhile, Sri Lanka, still in the rebuilding phase, will need a strong defensive display and tactical discipline to stand a chance.

Can Sri Lanka pull off an upset and make a statement on the continental stage? Stay tuned for live updates and post-match analysis.

Live feed:

Cricket

Bangladesh Cricket Star Shakib Faces Legal Trouble Amid Political Turmoil

Published

1 day ago

March 25, 2025

Editor

Former Bangladesh captain Shakib Al Hasan, a key figure in global cricket, is facing legal issues back home. A Dhaka court has ordered the seizure of his assets as he battles fraud charges over bounced cheques worth $300,000.

Shakib, who was in Canada playing T20 cricket when Sheikh Hasina’s government was overthrown, has not returned to Bangladesh since. While he has not been charged for alleged ties to a violent crackdown, his links to the former regime make him a target of public anger.

Having played 71 Tests, 247 ODIs, and 129 T20Is, with 712 wickets to his name, Shakib remains a giant in cricket. However, his future—both on and off the field—hangs in the balance.

News

Sri Lanka Announces 60-Player Squad for Crucial Rugby Playoff Against Malaysia

Published

2 days ago

March 24, 2025

Editor

Sri Lanka Rugby (SLR) has unveiled a 60-player national squad for their high-stakes Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) Top 4 playoff against Malaysia, set for April 19 under floodlights at Racecourse Ground, Colombo. The winner will join Hong Kong, South Korea, and the UAE in the ARC Top 4, making this a must-win encounter for Sri Lanka.

Squad Selection & Training Plans

The selected players will undergo medical examinations on April 9 at SLR headquarters, with any existing injuries needing to be disclosed. After medical assessments, the squad will enter an intensive training camp in Colombo, taking a short break from April 13-15 for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year.

Sri Lanka’s final 30-player squad will be announced after medical evaluations to ensure a fully fit and competitive team. While Sri Lanka is just beginning preparations, Malaysia has already kicked off their training camp, potentially giving them an edge. However, playing on home turf under the Colombo lights gives Sri Lanka a strong advantage.

Squad Breakdown

The majority of the squad comes from Kandy SC, Havelock SC, and CR & FC, with Tarinda Ratwatte expected to lead the side under the guidance of head coach Sanath Martis.

Kandy SC Players:

Milan Weerasinghe, Malitha Wijesundara, Dilshad Fareed, Thilina Bandara, Tharindu Chathuranga, Dahan Wickramarchchi, Heshan Janson, Tharinda Ratwatte, Shahid Sumri, Kavindu Perera, Dinal Ekanayake, Dhanushka Ranjan.

CR & FC Players:

Senura Perera, Wenura Kodagoda, Naveen Marasinghe, Sohiru Anthony, Adeesha Weerathunga, Lasindu Karunathilaka, Omalka Gunarathna, Ravin De Silva, Thenuka Nanayakkara, Gamunu Chethiya, Zubair Dore.

Havelock SC Players:

Faiz Abdulla, Janindu Fernando, Shehan Silva, Azmir Fajudeen, Chathura Dilshan, Mohamed Rifan, Samuel Maduwantha, Sudesh Jayawickrama, Mushin Falil, Jayathu Rajarathna.

Other clubs contributing players include CH & FC, Police SC, Sri Lions SC, Army SC, Air Force SC, and Navy SC.

Aiming for ARC Top 4 Spot

With the opportunity to return to the top tier of Asian rugby, Sri Lanka will look to leverage home advantage and the experience of key players. However, long-term development remains a concern, as Sri Lanka Rugby still lacks a structured youth league and grassroots development system to nurture future talent.

Match Date: April 19, 2025

Venue: Racecourse Ground, Colombo

What’s at Stake? Winner qualifies for Asia Rugby Championship (ARC) Top 4