News
Five key battles to look out for as India face Sri Lanka in SAFF Championship 2021
These duels could go on to decide the Blue Tigers’ fate against the Golden Army on Today.
The Indian football team began their SAFF Championship 2021 campaign with a disappointing draw against Bangladesh last Sunday. The Blue Tigers put up an ordinary performance and were therefore held on to a 1-1 draw against a 10-men Bangladesh. That said, India will be looking to bounce back on Thursday against Sri Lanka.
The island nation also did not have the best of starts to life at the SAFF Championship. They were on the receiving end of two back-to-back losses at the championship, against Bangladesh and Nepal. The two consecutive defeats mean that the Lankan lions are now on a 12-match losing run.
We take a look at the top five key battles that will have a role to play in Todays’s clash.
5. Gurpreet Singh Sandhu Vs Dillon De Silva.
The custodian is considered as India’s best man between the sticks. He has gained Stimac’s full confidence over the years and has proved his worth in big games. Gurpreet was one of India’s best players against Bangladesh in his side’s tournament opener. He denied them multiple opportunities to score with numerous saves, and India will expect the same from their star goalkeeper against Sri Lanka as well.
Gurpreet will come up against one of Sri Lanka’s best players in Dillon De Silva, who will be a big threat to India’s backline. Silva plays for the U-23 side of English outfit Queens Park Rangers. He is known for his sprints and can be deployed in multiple positions across the midfield and forward line. Dillon also scored his debut national team goal against Nepal, but unfortunately, his side lost the game.
4. Brandon Fernandes Vs Marvin Hamilton
Since the appointment of Stimac, a number of players have cemented their spots in the national team and one such star is FC Goa’s, Brandon Fernandes. The Blue Tigers have developed a counter-attacking style of gameplay under the Croatian tactician. In such situations, Brandon’s role gets even bigger. His exceptional skills with or without the ball as well as in dead-ball situations make him an asset for India.
However, Fernandes will come up against Sri Lanka’s experienced defensive midfielder Marvin Hamilton. The 32-year-old plays in England and has a lot of experience. Marvin can slot in as a pivot, central midfielder, and offers goals as well. Marvin’s primary role will be to keep Brandon’s movement in check, with and without the ball.
3. Udanta Singh Vs Harsha Fernando
Just when everyone thought that Udanta has lost his form, the speedster proved his doubters wrong. He set up the only goal for the Indians against Bangladesh, scored by Sunil Chhetri. Udanta shined in an upsetting draw against the Bengal Tigers and will be high on confidence and self-belief against Sri Lanka.
Harsha Fernando is one of Sri Lanka’s most consistent players and can play multiple roles across the backline. Although Amir Alegic mostly uses him as the left-back, he has played in the center as well. The Golden Army will be dependent on Harsha to neutralize Udanta’s threatening moves.
2. Chinglensana Singh Vs Ahmed Waseem Razeek
In the absence of star defender Sandesh Jhingan, Chinglensana has not been disappointed completely. His movements with the ball, passing accuracy and alertness have earned him praises. Sana played a major role in creating the goal-scoring move against Bangladesh. However, he will have the responsibility to contain one of Sri Lanka’s best players, Ahmed Waseem Razeek.
Razeek is Amir Alegic’s go-to option in the attacking department. He’s a multi-faceted player who can play as a right-winger, center forward, and right midfielder. The Sri Lankan has scored two goals in six matches for his side and will be looking to add more to his tally against the Indians.
1. Sunil Chhetri Vs Yogendra Duckson Puslas
Arguably the best Indian player of his generation, Sunil Chhetri has displayed his abilities time and again in his prolonged career. The Indian skipper once again stepped up to the occasion to help India against Bangladesh as he scored the opener. Chhetri is the leading goal scorer for India at the SAFF Championship with 14 goals to his name. He is now the fourth highest active goal scorer on the international stage behind Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Ali Mabkhout.
However, Sri Lanka’s Yogendra Puslas will present a tough fight for Chhetri. Puslas is a highly experienced center-back and is well aware of the danger Chhetri possesses. He will look to keep Chhetri in check and nullify his half chances. A failure in doing so will cost Sri Lanka heavily.
Source : KHELKNOW
Isipathana College emerged triumphant in the final of the 2025 Under-19 Schools Rugby Knockout Tournament, edging out Trinity College 12-9 in a nail-biting showdown at Sugathadasa Stadium. With this hard-fought win, Isipathana secured their 13th President’s Trophy title, further solidifying their legacy as one of Sri Lanka’s rugby powerhouses.
Early Advantage for Isipathana
The defending champions struck first with an impressive opening try, setting the tone for a high-stakes encounter. Avishka Hiran calmly added the conversion, giving Isipathana an early 7-0 lead.
Trinity responded with composure, as fly-half Shan Altaf slotted two well-taken penalties, reducing the deficit to a single point. Despite sustained pressure from both sides and chances that went begging, neither team could breach the opposition’s line again in the first half. The teams went into the break with Isipathana narrowly ahead, 7-6.
Grit and Discipline in the Second Half
The second half saw a continuation of the intense battle, but Trinity was handed a blow when Disal Thomas was sin-binned for persistent team infringements. Despite having a numerical advantage, Isipathana squandered a couple of penalty opportunities, as the kicking duties switched between players with no success.
Tensions escalated when Kaveen Jayasinghe was shown a yellow card for a biting offense, a disciplinary lapse that handed momentum back to Trinity. Fly-half Altaf seized the opportunity, delivering a beautifully executed drop goal to hand Trinity their first lead of the game, 9-7.
Late Heroics Seal the Title
As time ticked down and the match appeared to be slipping away, Isipathana found inspiration. Avishka Hiran, showing great awareness and timing, delivered a clever offload to Yuvindu Kodithuwakku, who powered his way past three defenders to score the match-winning try.
The conversion was missed, but it mattered little as the green shirts held on for a 12-9 victory, sealing back-to-back Knockout Championships.
Match Summary:
- Full Time: Trinity College 09 (3 Penalties) – Isipathana College 12 (2 Tries, 1 Conversion)
- Try Scorers: Adithya Madushan, Yuvindu Kodithuwakku (Isipathana)
- Conversion: Avishka Hiran (Isipathana)
- Penalties/Drop Goal: Shan Altaf (Trinity) – 2 Penalties, 1 Drop Goal
Glory for Isipathana, Lessons for Trinity
Isipathana’s ability to absorb pressure and respond in key moments underlined their championship pedigree. While Trinity displayed grit and tactical discipline, they were ultimately undone by missed opportunities and a lack of execution in the final stages.
As the curtains fall on the 2025 U19 Schools Rugby Knockout, Isipathana College once again stands tall, crowned champions in a finale that showcased the depth, drama, and raw emotion of school rugby in Sri Lanka.
Athletics
Ritzbury Celebrates Sri Lanka’s Rising Track Stars and Coaches for Historic Medal Haul at Asian Youth Athletics Championship 2025
Ritzbury, one of Sri Lanka’s leading supporters of youth athletics, proudly honoured five exceptional athletes and their coaches for their remarkable performances at the 6th Asian Youth Athletics Championship 2025, held in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The felicitation ceremony was held on May 2nd at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, under the banner of Ritzbury’s signature initiative, Mawbimata Weerayek (A Hero to the Nation).
Out of the eight Sri Lankan medalists at the continental event, five belong to the Mawbimata Weerayek program, showcasing the success of Ritzbury’s long-term investment in grassroots athletic development. These young athletes, who carried the nation’s hopes with pride, were not only felicitated with awards but also received financial support to further their sportingu journeys.
Among the honourees was M.G.T. Abhisheka Premasiri, who brought home Sri Lanka’s only Gold medal in the Girls’ 800m and added a Silver in the medley relay. Dananjana Sewmini Fernando shone with two Silvers—one in the 100m sprint and another in the medley relay. Meanwhile, H.D. Shavindu Avishka (800m), G.D. Lahiru Achintha (1500m), and J.H.P. Nethya Sampath (High Jump) earned Bronze medals, contributing to Sri Lanka’s highest-ever medal tally at the championship.
Recognising the vital role of coaching, Ritzbury also paid tribute to the five national coaches behind this success: Buddhika Nuwan, Anuradha Nanayakkara, R.H.M. Jude Chinthaka, K.H.A.D.S.I. Kularathna, and Suranjith Senarath. Their guidance, discipline, and preparation were applauded as critical to transforming potential into podium finishes.
Speaking at the event, Kamal Geeganage (CEO) and Niluksha Bastiansz (General Manager – Marketing, CBL Foods International) expressed their pride and reaffirmed Ritzbury’s long-standing commitment to national athletics. They highlighted that the Mawbimata Weerayek program, launched in 2019, now supports 65 young talents across Sri Lanka with financial aid and mentorship, aiming to elevate Sri Lankan athletics on both national and international stages.
With their eyes now set on bigger global competitions, these young athletes symbolize a bright future for Sri Lankan athletics. Initiatives like Mawbimata Weerayek not only bring recognition but also lay the foundation for long-term sporting excellence.
The stage is set for a blockbuster finale in the Sri Lanka Schools Under-19 President’s Trophy Knockout Rugby Tournament as Trinity College and Isipathana College stormed into the final with convincing wins in their respective semi-finals. The much-anticipated final will take place on May 18 at 3:45 PM at the Sugathadasa Stadium.
Quarterfinal Recap:
Zahira College earned automatic qualification to the semi-finals after St. Peter’s withdrew from the tournament.
Trinity College secured a 24-15 win over S. Thomas’ College with a dominant display, scoring three tries, three conversions, and a penalty.
Royal College overcame DS Senanayake College with an emphatic 41-24 win, showcasing their attacking firepower.
Isipathana College proved too strong for Wesley College, triumphing 24-10 to book their spot in the semis.
Semi-final Highlights:
Trinity College vs Zahira College: Trinity continued their fine form, beating Zahira 29-12. Their win came through four tries, three conversions, and a penalty, underlining their dominance in the tournament.
Isipathana College vs Royal College: In a fiercely contested battle, Isipathana edged past Royal 24-17 with three tries, three conversions, and a crucial penalty.
With both teams displaying exceptional skill and resilience throughout the tournament, the final promises to be a thrilling encounter between two powerhouses of school rugby.
Final Match Details:
Trinity College vs Isipathana College
Date: May 18, 2025
Venue: Royal College Sports Complex
Kick-off: 3:45 PM
Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for live updates, post-match analysis, and exclusive coverage of the President’s Trophy final
Isipathana Clinches U19 Knockout Crown with Dramatic Final Victory Over Trinity
Ritzbury Celebrates Sri Lanka’s Rising Track Stars and Coaches for Historic Medal Haul at Asian Youth Athletics Championship 2025
Trinity and Isipathana Set Up Thrilling Showdown in President’s Trophy Rugby Final
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