Sri Lanka’s national rugby team is gearing up for a pivotal playoff match against Malaysia on April 19, with a coveted spot in the Asia Rugby Top 4 Championship hanging in the balance. The high-stakes clash, which was officially previewed at a press conference held at the Colombo Hilton, marks a significant moment in Sri Lanka’s bid to rejoin Asia’s rugby elite.

A win against Malaysia would not only secure Sri Lanka’s place in the Top 4, but also guarantee home fixtures against South Korea and the UAE, while their match against Hong Kong would be played away. This presents a prime opportunity for the Sri Lankan Tuskers to make a strong comeback after several years of restructuring and rebuilding.

The Asia Rugby Top 4 Championship carries even greater importance this year, as the champion will earn direct qualification to the 2027 Rugby World Cup in Australia. The runner-up will still have a chance to qualify through a final playoff against the second-placed team from the Pacific Islands. With Japan already qualified, there is potential for three Asian nations to be represented at the upcoming World Cup — a historic prospect for the region.

Sri Lanka’s squad, led by Head Coach Sanath Martis, is a mix of emerging young talent and seasoned players. The team has been undergoing intensive preparation, with Dushanth Lewke managing the forwards, Saliya Kumara working with the backs, and Tharaka Algama overseeing fitness as team trainer.

A selection trial is scheduled to take place at Havelock Park, where the final 30-member squad will be determined. Coach Martis acknowledged the impact of injuries but remains optimistic:

“After a long season, some players are carrying injuries, which is typical in a contact sport like rugby. The bright side is that this opens the door for younger players to represent the national team. We also have a packed schedule ahead — two games against New Zealand and three more fixtures once we qualify for the Asia Rugby Top 4,” Martis said.

This critical match is supported by a strong network of sponsors, including Gordone, Power World, Prima Kottu Mee, and Hilton Colombo all of whom are backing Sri Lanka’s journey back to international prominence and a potential World Cup berth.

The Sri Lankan rugby community is rallying behind the Tuskers as they prepare to take on a tough and physical Malaysian side — a match that could be a turning point in the country’s rugby future.

The International Golf Federation (IGF) has officially confirmed that a groundbreaking Mixed-Team Golf Event will be introduced at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, following approval by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Executive Board.

This new addition will complement the existing Men’s and Women’s Individual Olympic Golf Competitions, all of which will be played at the iconic Riviera Country Club during the LA28 Games. It marks the return of team golf to the Olympic stage for the first time since 1904.

“We are absolutely delighted with this development,” said IGF Executive Director Antony Scanlon. “The addition of the Mixed-Team Event builds on the success of golf’s Olympic return in Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and the excitement of Paris 2024. Players are eager to compete alongside their compatriots, and this new format is sure to generate even more fan engagement.”

The Mixed-Team Event will feature one male and one female player from each participating country, both of whom must already qualify for the individual events. The competition will be held over two days: 18 holes of foursomes (alternate shot) on the first day and 18 holes of four-ball (best ball) on the second. Only one team per country will be allowed to compete.

The introduction of this event reflects the IOC’s ongoing commitment to gender equality and athlete-focused competition. Golf now joins a growing list of Olympic sports—like archery, athletics (4x100m mixed relay), gymnastics, coastal rowing, and table tennis—that will feature mixed-gender events at LA28.

With 351 medal events planned for LA28, including new sports like cricket, baseball/softball, flag football, lacrosse, and squash, the Olympic Games are set to offer one of the most diverse and inclusive athletic programs in history.

Stay tuned as the road to LA28 begins, promising thrilling competition and new opportunities for athletes across the globe.

Sri Lankan fast bowler Kasun Rajitha has secured a short-term contract with Essex County Cricket Club to play in five upcoming Rothesay County Championship matches.

The 31-year-old right-arm seamer brings a wealth of experience, having represented Sri Lanka across all formats. Notably, Rajitha has played 18 Test matches, capturing 55 wickets at an average of 29.58. One of his standout performances came against Bangladesh in March 2023, when he picked up career-best figures of 5 for 56.

Rajitha made his Test debut in June 2018 against the West Indies and made an instant impact with a five-wicket haul across the match, dismissing top players like Jason Holder and Kraigg Braithwaite.

His stint with Essex reunites him with Chris Silverwood, Essex’s Director of Cricket and former Sri Lanka Head Coach, under whom Rajitha played between 2022 and 2024. Domestically, Rajitha has recently represented Colombo in Sri Lanka’s first-class circuit.

Chris Silverwood expressed his enthusiasm for the signing, stating, “Kasun brings quality and depth to our pace attack. I’ve seen firsthand what he can deliver and am confident he will be a valuable asset.”

Rajitha, set to don the number 65 jersey, is expected to debut for Essex in their upcoming match against Worcestershire this weekend.

He shared his excitement, saying, “It’s a proud moment for me to join a prestigious club like Essex. I look forward to contributing to the team and enhancing my game in English conditions.”