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Breaking Waves: Arugam Bay’s Girls’ Surf Team Challenges Gender Norms in Sri Lanka

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Arugam Bay, a vibrant surf hub in Sri Lanka’s south-eastern Ampara district, has long been a magnet for international surfers and home to global surf competitions. Now, it’s making headlines for a groundbreaking movement led by a group of determined women challenging traditional gender roles and cultural norms.

Over the past decade, a local girls’ surf team has emerged as a beacon of change, proving that surfing is not just a sport but a powerful tool for empowerment. The journey began with WL Shamali Sanjaya, now 36, who was one of the first women from her coastal village to embrace surfing in 2011. Inspired by the encouragement of an American family residing in the area, Shamali took the plunge, defying societal expectations in a community where women were traditionally confined to household roles or academics.

“There was this perception that surfing was not suitable for women in our culture,” Shamali shared from Baby Surf Point, a popular spot for beginners. “Even within my family, there were initial objections. But my maternal grandmother stood by me. I knew I wasn’t doing anything wrong, and I wasn’t afraid to stand my ground.”

Her fearless journey inspired other women from the Tamil and Sinhalese communities in the multi-ethnic district to pick up surfboards and ride the waves. By 2018, the growing interest led to the creation of the Arugam Bay Girls Surf Club, which became the first officially registered female surf club under the Surfing Federation of Sri Lanka.

This milestone represents more than just sports—it’s a movement reshaping societal attitudes and showcasing the transformative power of surfing. As these women continue to conquer waves and stereotypes, they’re setting an example for future generations in Sri Lanka and beyond.

Arugam Bay’s surf story is no longer just about its world-class waves—it’s about breaking barriers and making history.

Source: The Hindu

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Cricket

Sanga’s Royals win the last-over thriller to register back-to-back victory

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Rajasthan Royals held their nerve in a high-scoring contest to edge past Gujarat Titans by six runs, successfully defending 210 in a last-over thriller.

Batting first, Rajasthan posted an imposing 210/6, powered by a superb knock from Dhruv Jurel, who smashed 75 off 42 balls. He was well supported by Yashasvi Jaiswal (55 off 36) and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (31 off 18), as the Royals maintained a strong run rate throughout the innings. Late cameos from Shimron Hetmyer and others ensured a challenging total. For Gujarat, Kagiso Rabada was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets.

In reply, Gujarat Titans mounted a spirited chase led by Sai Sudharsan, who scored a fluent 73 off 44 balls. Contributions from Jos Buttler and Rashid Khan kept the chase alive, while a late flourish from Rabada brought the equation down to the wire.

However, the turning point came through Ravi Bishnoi, who delivered a match-winning spell of 4/41, derailing the middle order at a crucial stage. Despite needing just a handful in the final over, Rajasthan held their composure to restrict Gujarat to 204/8.

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St. Mary’s Crown Cup Champions

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A dramatic penalty shootout decided the fate of the Cup final as St. Mary’s SC overcame Saunders SC 3-1 after a 1-1 deadlock under lights at the Race Course grounds on Saturday.
The match sprang to life in the opening minutes, with St. Mary’s drawing first blood. Danjuma Gumbari struck in the third minute, finishing off a swift attacking move to hand his side an early lead.

Saunders SC wasted no time in responding, leveling the score just two minutes later. Clauvice Franck found the net in the fifth minute, taking advantage of space in the box to restore parity and set up an evenly balanced contest.

Following the early exchange, both teams settled into a competitive rhythm, battling for control in midfield while probing for openings. St. Mary’s looked composed in possession, whereas Saunders relied on quick counterattacks to trouble the opposition defense. Despite their efforts, neither side managed to break the deadlock during regulation time.

With the scoreline unchanged, the final moved into a penalty shootout. St. Mary’s SC kept their composure from the spot, with Danjuma Gumbari, S. Aarinkan, and John Lawani all converting successfully.

Saunders SC, however, faltered under pressure. Mohamed Zaid was the only scorer for his side, while two other attempts missed the target, ultimately sealing their defeat.

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Cricket

Pathum, Rizvi Shine as Delhi Capitals Outshine Mumbai Indians

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Delhi Capitals secured their second win of the IPL 2026 with a commanding 6-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium today. The highlight of the chase was the brilliant partnership between Pathum Nissanka and Sameer Rizvi, who tore through the Mumbai bowling attack with fearless stroke play.

Electing to bat first, Mumbai Indians managed a modest total of 162/6 in their 20 overs. Suryakumar Yadav top-scored with a fluent 51 off 36 balls, while Rohit Sharma contributed a brisk 35. Early wickets fell to Delhi bowlers, with Mukesh Kumar claiming two key scalps and Lungi Ngidi, Axar Patel, and Vipraj Nigam chipping in with one each. Extras also played a role, adding five to the total.

In response, Delhi Capitals faced early setbacks as KL Rahul and Nitish Rana fell cheaply. However, Pathum Nissanka counter-attacked with 44 off 30 deliveries, forming a match-turning 78-run partnership with Sameer Rizvi, who finished unbeaten on 90 from 51 balls with seven towering sixes. David Miller provided late support, ensuring Delhi chased down the target in 18.1 overs.

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