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Sri Lanka Set for Crucial Rugby Playoff Against Malaysia with Asia Rugby Top 4 Spot at Stake

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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.

Cricket

Chamudi Praboda to Lead Sri Lanka U19 Women on India Tour

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The Sri Lanka Cricket Selection Panel has named a 15-member Sri Lanka Under-19 Women’s squad for the upcoming tour of India, where the young cricketers will compete in both T20 and One Day formats.

Chamudi Praboda has been appointed captain of the side, while Sanjana Kavindi will serve as vice-captain and wicketkeeper. The tour is expected to provide valuable international exposure and competitive experience for the emerging players.

Sri Lanka will play three T20 matches in Chennai on June 22, 24 and 27, followed by three One Day matches in Pondicherry on June 30 and July 3 and 6.

The series will offer Sri Lanka’s young talents an important opportunity to test their skills against strong opposition and gain experience in challenging Indian conditions as they continue their development at international level.

The squad comprises Chamudi Praboda (Captain), Sanjana Kavindi (WK, Vice-Captain), Nethmi Upeksha, Manudi Nanayakkara, Limansa Thilakarathna, Umayangana Peiris, Danodya Sewmini, Nethagi Isuranjali, Pramudi Methsara, Yesali Jithara, Vimoksha Balasooriya, Sanuki Pathirage, Chamodi Herath, Aseni Thalagune and Daria Dissanayaka.

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Athletics

Rumesh Tharanga Reaches Historic World No. 3 Ranking

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Sri Lankan javelin star Rumesh Tharanga has achieved a remarkable milestone by climbing to World No. 3 in the latest global rankings, bringing pride and recognition to Sri Lankan athletics on the international stage.

Tharanga now holds 1,324 ranking points, placing him among the world’s elite javelin throwers. His rise to third place marks the highest-ever ranking achieved by a Sri Lankan male athlete in world athletics history, highlighting his dedication, hard work, and consistent performances over recent years.

The achievement is even more significant as Tharanga has become Asia’s highest-ranked javelin athlete, surpassing India’s celebrated thrower Neeraj Chopra. This accomplishment reflects the growing strength of Sri Lankan athletics and demonstrates the country’s ability to compete with the best athletes in the world.
Sports officials and fans across the island have welcomed the news with great enthusiasm.

Many view Tharanga’s success as an inspiration for young athletes who aspire to represent Sri Lanka on the global stage. His journey from a promising talent to one of the world’s top-ranked competitors showcases the rewards of perseverance and commitment to excellence.

His achievement stands as a proud moment for Sri Lanka and a significant chapter in the country’s sporting history.

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Dinara and Aahil Reach Finals at SSC ITF J30 Week 2

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Sri Lanka’s Dinara de Silva and Aahil Kaleel advanced to the girls’ and boys’ singles finals respectively at the ITF J30 Week 2 Junior Tennis Tournament being held at the SSC Courts from 2 to 8 June.

Dinara secured a dominant semifinal victory over the Maldives’ Karin Saizan, while Aahil battled through a tough three-set encounter against India’s Vivaan Mirdha to keep Sri Lankan hopes alive in the boys’ competition.

In the girls’ singles semifinals, Dinara produced an impressive display to defeat Karin Saizan 4-1, 4-0. Fellow Sri Lankan Yuhansa Peiris also booked her place in the final after overcoming India’s Aahida Singh 5-4, 4-0. Their victories set up an all-Sri Lankan championship clash.

The boys’ singles semifinals featured a thrilling contest between Aahil and Vivaan Mirdha. After winning the first set 4-2 and dropping the second 2-4, Aahil held his nerve to claim the match tie-break 10-7. In the other semifinal, India’s Shiok Chauhan defeated compatriot Punith Manchira 5-3, 4-2 to reach the final.

The girls’ final will see Dinara face Yuhansa, while Aahil will take on Chauhan in the boys’ title match.

Dinara enters the final in outstanding form, having won the Week 1 singles title. She also teamed up with Yuhansa to capture the Week 1 girls’ doubles championship. The tournament is particularly significant for Dinara as it marks her final ITF Junior tournament appearance on Sri Lankan soil before embarking on the next stage of her international tennis journey.

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