News
Get Ready for the Ball Blaster 2024 Girls Division 1 Championship: A Spectacle of Young Talent and Fierce Competition!
Sri Lanka School Football Association and Sri Lankan Sports TV Announce Thrilling Ball Blaster 2024 Girls Division 1 Championship
The Sri Lanka School Football Association, in partnership with Sri Lankan Sports TV, is thrilled to unveil the Ball Blaster 2024 Girls Division 1 tournament. This eagerly awaited event will bring together 16 of the nation’s top schools in a dazzling display of young talent and competitive spirit, with 31 matches played over two exciting months.
Tournament Overview
Group Stage
The competition kicks off with the Group Stage, where 16 schools are divided into four groups of four. Based on last year’s rankings, the groupings are:
- Group A:
- Mahajana College, Jaffna
- Yakkalla College
- Viharamahadevi College
- Dharmasena Artigala College
- Group B:
- Maliyadewa College
- Manipai Ladies College
- Badulla Central College
- N M Perera National School
- Group C:
- Kavisigamuwa College
- St. John College
- Punkududeevu College
- Seewali Central College
- Group D:
- Bendiwewa College
- Maharagama Central College
- Visakha College
- St. Joseph Girls School, Gampola
The top two teams from each group will advance to the Quarter-Finals.
Quarter-Finals
In the Quarter-Finals, the best eight teams will compete as follows:
- Group A Champions vs. Group B Runners-Up
- Group B Champions vs. Group C Runners-Up
- Group C Champions vs. Group D Runners-Up
- Group D Champions vs. Group A Runners-Up
The victors will move on to the Semi-Finals.
Semi-Finals
- First Semi-Final: Winner of the First Quarter-Final vs. Winner of the Second Quarter-Final
- Second Semi-Final: Winner of the Third Quarter-Final vs. Winner of the Fourth Quarter-Final
Final Round
- 3rd Place Match: Loser of the First Semi-Final vs. Loser of the Second Semi-Final
- Grand Final: Winner of the First Semi-Final vs. Winner of the Second Semi-Final
A Celebration of Youth Football
The Ball Blaster 2024 Girls Division 1 Championship is set to be an electrifying event, celebrating the prowess and passion of Sri Lanka’s young female footballers. Fans can anticipate nail-biting matches and extraordinary showcases of skill and teamwork.
Don’t miss any of the action! Tune in to Sri Lankan Sports TV for live coverage, exclusive interviews, and all the latest updates from the tournament.
Football
Neymar Poised for Santos Return After Al-Hilal Exit
Brazilian superstar Neymar is reportedly set to return to his boyhood club, Santos, after mutually terminating his contract with Saudi Pro League side Al-Hilal. The 32-year-old, Brazil’s all-time leading goalscorer, is expected to sign a short-term deal with Santos, where he began his illustrious career.
Neymar’s departure from Al-Hilal marks the end of an injury-riddled stint with the club, where he made just seven appearances since joining in August 2023 for a staggering £77.6 million. His time in Saudi Arabia was marred by a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury suffered during Brazil’s World Cup qualifier against Uruguay in October 2023. Despite returning briefly in late 2024, Neymar has not featured since November.
Neymar Turns Down MLS for Santos
While Major League Soccer (MLS) side Chicago Fire attempted to secure Neymar’s signature, the Brazilian forward opted to return to Santos instead. Chicago Fire had exclusive rights to negotiate with Neymar in the MLS, but the player reportedly preferred rejoining the club where he scored 136 goals in 225 matches before his 2013 move to Barcelona.
Inter Miami was also linked to Neymar, with speculation that he could reunite with former Barcelona teammates Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez. However, Neymar’s decision to return to Santos highlights his sentimental connection to his first club.
A Glittering Career Comes Full Circle
Neymar rose to global prominence at Santos before joining Barcelona, where he won two La Liga titles, the Champions League, and the Club World Cup. In 2017, he became the world’s most expensive footballer, moving to Paris Saint-Germain for a record £200 million. During his time in Paris, Neymar secured five Ligue 1 titles and further solidified his legacy.
Following his move to Al-Hilal, Neymar expressed ambitions to “write new sporting history,” but injuries limited his impact. Now, as he prepares for a new chapter with Santos, fans eagerly await the return of one of Brazil’s greatest talents to his roots.
Stay updated with the latest football news at Sri Lankan Sports TV.
Cricket
India’s ICC Champions Trophy Campaign Faces Questions Amid Gambhir’s Coaching Review
As India prepares for the ICC Champions Trophy, questions are being raised about the team’s recent performances under head coach Gautam Gambhir. Since taking over the role following Rahul Dravid’s exit, Gambhir has faced criticism for India’s inconsistent results, and the upcoming tournaments are seen as pivotal moments for his tenure.
The team’s disappointing performances have also put senior players like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Mohammed Siraj under scrutiny. While calls for changes in the Test setup grow louder, the focus remains on whether Gambhir can successfully steer the team through this transitional phase and deliver strong results in major tournaments.
Former Indian opener Aakash Chopra believes that Gambhir’s future as head coach hinges not only on the Champions Trophy but also on the subsequent Test series against England.
“The BCCI will likely assess his performance after the England tour, which will mark a year since he took charge,”
Chopra stated.
Gambhir was brought in to oversee a smooth transition and develop the next generation of Indian cricketers, but the pressure is mounting.
“The team’s performance in England could be the deciding factor. The review will focus on how well he has prepared the team and whether the results have improved over the past year,”
Chopra added.
If India fails to deliver in the ICC Champions Trophy and the England Test series, the BCCI may reconsider Gambhir’s position. However, experts argue that a full year is necessary to evaluate a coach’s impact, and the Champions Trophy offers an opportunity for Gambhir to prove his credentials.
With the tournament fast approaching, India’s ability to perform under pressure will determine not just their success but also the future of their coaching setup.
Stay updated on India’s ICC Champions Trophy campaign and other cricket news at Sri Lankan Sports TV.
Cricket
Usman Khawaja Backs Sam Konstas as His Opening Partner Ahead of Sri Lanka Test Series
Australian opener Usman Khawaja has expressed confidence in young talent Sam Konstas as his preferred opening partner for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. Amid speculation about Travis Head potentially opening the innings, Khawaja voiced his support for Konstas, emphasizing the importance of sticking with consistent players in challenging conditions.
Khawaja echoed the sentiments of former Australian captain Ricky Ponting, who believes Konstas has earned his spot at the top of the order. The 19-year-old batter showcased his potential with 113 runs at an average of 28.25 in his first two Test matches against India.
“I’m very conservative in this regard,” Khawaja told reporters in Colombo. “You’ve got two openers, so open with them. Let them gain experience in different conditions. It’s the best way for young players to learn and grow into their roles.”
Khawaja praised the confidence and adaptability of Australia’s emerging talents, including Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, and Cooper Connolly. “Sam is very receptive to feedback, which is a great trait. At 19, it’s a steep learning curve, but his eagerness to learn and confidence make him special.”
Australia’s Transition Period in Test Cricket
With a new wave of young players stepping into the Australian Test team, Khawaja acknowledged the beginning of a transitional phase. “Over the next three to four years, there will be significant changes. I’m still enjoying the game and want to contribute for as long as possible,” he said.
The veteran left-hander also hinted at his potential retirement timeline but emphasized his commitment to the team’s success. “I’d still like to play the Ashes at the very least, but I’m taking it one summer at a time. If the selectors feel it’s time for me to step aside, I’ll respect that.”
As Australia prepares for their Test series against Sri Lanka, the spotlight remains on Konstas and the younger generation of players poised to carry the team forward.
Stay updated on Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka and other cricket news at Sri Lankan Sports TV.
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