News

Five key battles to look out for as India face Sri Lanka in SAFF Championship 2021

Published

5 years ago

October 7, 2021

Editor

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

News

BALL BLASTER 2026: SRI LANKA’S BIGGEST SCHOOL FOOTBALL TOURNAMENT RETURNS BIGGER THAN EVER

Published

3 weeks ago

September 17, 2026

Editor

24 Schools, 15 Venues and Three National Trophies as Ball Blaster Enters Its Third Year

COLOMBO — Ball Blaster, Sri Lanka’s premier school football tournament, is set to return in 2026 with its biggest edition yet, organized by Aasgard Sports (Private) Limited in collaboration with the Sri Lanka Schools Football Association and the Ministry of Education.

Now entering its third year, Ball Blaster has grown from 2023 with 20 schools into one of the country’s largest youth football events. The 2025 edition featured 16 schools competing across four groups, drawing national broadcast attention through Sri Lankan Sports TV and PEO TV. For 2026, the tournament expands significantly, with 24 schools set to compete across 15 venues nationwide, in a season spanning six weeks and 84 matches.

A NEW FORMAT: THREE TROPHIES, THREE CHAMPIONS

The standout feature of Ball Blaster 2026 is a new three-tier trophy format. Schools will be drawn into four groups of six, playing a round-robin group stage before advancing into one of three parallel championships based on their group finish: the Cup Trophy for group winners, the Bowl Trophy for runners-up, and the Plate Trophy for second runners-up. The format ensures every participating school remains in contention for a national title deep into the tournament.

All three championships will reach their conclusion on the same finals weekend, with third-place playoffs and grand finals for the Cup, Bowl and Plate trophies all being played at Sugathadasa Stadium in Colombo.

“Ball Blaster has always been about giving young footballers a stage,” said a spokesperson for Aasgard Sports. “This year, we’re expanding that stage to every corner of the island, and making sure every school that takes part has something real to play for, right to the final whistle.”

BUILDING ON A STRONG 2025

Ball Blaster’s growth has been underpinned by strong sponsor support. The 2025 edition was backed by Lifebuoy as Title Sponsor, alongside Lemonade as Refreshing Partner and Sky Market Travels as Travelling Partner. Organizers say conversations are already underway with returning and new sponsors ahead of the 2026 season, as the tournament’s expanded scale — nationwide venues, a longer season and three separate finals — offers significantly greater visibility for partners.

BROADCAST AND COVERAGE

As in previous years, Ball Blaster 2026 will be broadcast live via Sri Lankan Sports TV and PEO Sports, with matches also available on YouTube and across Sri Lankan Sports TV’s digital platforms.

For sponsorship and partnership enquiries, contact: Pasindu Mihiranga Sri Lankan Sports TV | Aasgard Sports (Private) Limited 0726 85 18 18 marketing@srilankansportstv.com

www.srilankansportstv.com

Football

Jaswar Umar Hails FIFA Series as Turning Point for Sri Lankan Football

Published

4 weeks ago

September 10, 2026

Editor

Football Federation of Sri Lanka (FFSL) President Jaswar Umar has described the inaugural FIFA Series in Colombo as a major milestone for the country’s football development, saying the tournament has given Sri Lanka renewed confidence and a stronger connection with the international game.

Umar, who has been involved in efforts to strengthen Sri Lankan football administration and development, said hosting the tournament demonstrated that developing football nations could compete on the global stage when given meaningful opportunities.

The FIFA Series, held in Colombo in March 2024, brought Sri Lanka together with Bhutan, Papua New Guinea and the Central African Republic. The four participating nations represented three different confederations, giving Sri Lanka an unusual opportunity to face teams with different playing styles.

Sri Lanka completed its campaign unbeaten, drawing 0-0 against Papua New Guinea and defeating Bhutan 2-0. Umar said the matches provided valuable experience for the national team and helped players adapt to different forms of international competition.

DOHA, QATAR – DECEMBER 17: FIFA President Gianni Infantino with Football Federation of Sri Lanka President Jaswar Umar during a meeting on December 17, 2024 in Doha, Qatar. (Photo by Serhat Akin/FIFA)

He stressed that the benefits extended beyond the football field. Sri Lankan officials involved in administration, technical operations, media, medical services and event management gained practical experience in organising matches to international standards.

The Racecourse Ground also received an important upgrade through assistance from FIFA’s Forward Programme. The renovation enabled the historic Colombo venue to host international football and created improved facilities for future events.

Umar said one of the most important achievements was bringing international football closer to Sri Lankan supporters. Young fans were able to watch national players compete against foreign opposition in their own city, helping to inspire a new generation.

He thanked FIFA and its President Gianni Infantino for supporting developing football nations.

According to Umar, the FIFA Series has left Sri Lanka with more than match results. It has provided international experience, stronger administrative capabilities, improved infrastructure and, most importantly, renewed belief in the future of Sri Lankan football.

Cricket

Dulani’s sparkling century powers Sri Lanka to thrilling victory

Published

2 months ago

July 31, 2026

Editor

Imesha Dulani stole the spotlight with a sensational unbeaten century as Sri Lanka Women chased down a formidable target of 177 to register a convincing six-wicket victory over Pakistan Women in the first T20I worked off at Dambulla international Stadium.

Pakistan looked set for victory after posting a competitive 176 for 7 in their 20 overs. Captain Muneeba Ali gave the innings early momentum with a fluent 42 off 24 balls, while Shawaal Zulfiqar anchored the innings superbly with a brilliant 63 from 41 deliveries, striking 10 fours and a six. Eman Naseer added a valuable 21, while Ayesha Zafar and Saira Jabeen played aggressive cameos in the closing overs to push Pakistan to an above-par total.

Sri Lanka’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Kavisha Dilhari leading the way with two dismissals. Chamudi Praboda, Sugandika Kumari and Kawya Kavindi chipped in with one wicket apiece, while disciplined fielding produced two crucial run-outs.

The chase belonged entirely to Dulani, who delivered the innings of the match. Displaying confidence, composure and a wide range of attacking strokes, she remained unbeaten on 101 from just 64 balls, smashing 17 boundaries and a six. Her innings combined elegance with controlled aggression, ensuring Sri Lanka stayed ahead of the required rate throughout the chase.

Captain Chamari Athapaththu provided the ideal platform with a sparkling 39 off 22 balls, adding 78 for the opening wicket before Nashra Sandhu broke the partnership. Although Sri Lanka lost wickets at regular intervals in the middle overs, Dulani remained firmly in control, rotating the strike effectively before accelerating when it mattered most.

Kavisha Dilhari contributed 11 valuable runs, while Nilakshika Silva remained unbeaten on nine as Sri Lanka reached 177 for 4 in 19 overs, sealing victory with six balls to spare.

Pakistan spinner Nashra Sandhu finished with two wickets, but she could do little to halt Dulani’s memorable knock.