News
Sri Lanka School Football Association and Sri Lankan Sports TV Announce the Prestigious Ball Blaster 2024 Championship
The Sri Lanka School Football Association, in partnership with Sri Lankan Sports TV, is thrilled to announce the kickoff of the prestigious Ball Blaster 2024 on July 2024. This highly anticipated tournament is set to be the highlight of the school sports calendar, showcasing the top footballing talent from across the nation.
Tournament Overview
The Ball Blaster 2024 Championship will feature three exciting categories:
- Boys Division 1: 20 top footballing schools
- Girls Division 1: 16 top footballing schools
- Boys Division 2: 80 footballing schools
In total, 116 schools and over 3,000 students will participate, with more than 200 matches to be played across the country.
Boys Division 1: The Highlight Tournament
The Boys Division 1 category promises to be the highlight of the championship. This division will unfold in four thrilling stages:
- Group Stage
- League Stage
- Play-Offs
- Final
A total of 56 matches will be played in this division. The following schools are eligible to compete:
- Alighar National College
- Zahira College
- Darussalam College
- St. Joseph’s College
- St. Henry’s College
- Gampola Zahira College
- Vadakachchi Central College
- St. Patrick’s College
- Hameed Al Husseinie College
- Maris Stella College
- St. Benedict’s College
- Jaffna Central College
- Gateway College
- Muslim Central College
- Baduriya Central College
- Kingswood College
- Al Ameen Vidyalaya
- Royal College
- Kinniya Central College
- Al Falah College
Anticipation and Excitement
With the involvement of 116 schools, the Ball Blaster 2024 Championship promises to be an exhilarating tournament, bringing together young football enthusiasts from across Sri Lanka. Fans can look forward to an action-packed schedule, filled with intense matches and remarkable displays of skill and sportsmanship.
Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for all the latest updates, match coverage, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the Ball Blaster 2024 Championship. Let the games begin!
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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