Gateway College Colombo emerged victorious at the Sri Lanka Schools’ Basketball Tournament 2024 – A Division (Boys Under 17), demonstrating their dominance on the court through a series of exceptional performances. Competing against 19 leading schools from across the country, Gateway College showcased outstanding teamwork, skill, and determination to secure the prestigious championship title.

The journey to the top began with a string of commanding victories in the first round, as Gateway triumphed over Mahanama College (67-31), S. Thomas’ College, Mt. Lavinia (55-49), St. Sebastian’s College, Moratuwa (64-36), and Loyola College, Negombo (87-63).

At the knockout stages, Gateway advanced to the semi-finals as Colombo International School forfeited their match. In a thrilling semi-final encounter against Royal College Colombo, Gateway displayed remarkable resilience and composure under pressure, securing a hard-fought 57-50 victory to earn a spot in the final.

In the grand finale, Gateway delivered a champion’s performance, exhibiting remarkable skill, teamwork, and defensive solidity to overcome Ananda College, Maradana. With a commanding 68-52 victory, Gateway firmly established itself as the best Under 17 team in the A Division. The team’s stellar performance was further underscored by individual accolades: Ashane Thevarapperuma was named the Most Valuable Player, while Dulain Thevarapperuma received the Best Defensive Player award. Sudam Liyanage of Ananda College was recognized as the Best Offensive Player.

Final Standings:

1. Champions: Gateway College Colombo
2. Runners-up: Ananda College Colombo
3. 3rd Place: Royal College Colombo

Gateway College Colombo’s triumph at the Sri Lanka Schools’ Basketball Tournament 2024 is a testament to the school’s dedication to nurturing young talent and fostering a culture of excellence in sports. This latest victory adds to the school’s proud legacy in basketball, continuing their success from last year’s All-Island Under 15 A Division Championship. The team’s achievements have been bolstered under the expert guidance of Head Coach Tharindu Fernando, who has recently been appointed as the National Head Coach for Sri Lanka’s Under 16 team.

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will take place at the Royal College pool on Saturday the 8^th of February 2025 with almost 50 teams from 15 leading schools in the island nation competing for the coveted Shield.

The tournament was initiated by the Royal College Union Aquatic Club (RCUAC) under the theme “For the Love of the Game” and is now a platform to promote Water polo to younger athletes.

Event Details:

• Venue: Royal College Swimming Pool. Date:8^th February 2025
• Time: Starting at 7.00AM with the finals scheduled for 3:30PM onwards.

Participants:

• Teams:50 teams.
• Athletes: Approximately 600
• Age Groups: U9, 11, 13, 15 &17 Age Group

Participating Teams (15):

• Schools: Bishop’s College, Musaeus College, Ladies’ College, Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo International School, Gateway College, Ananda College, D.S Senanayake College, Thurstan College, Nalanda College, S. Thomas’ College, St. John’s College, Zahira College, Wesley College and Royal College.
• Clubs and Organizations (6): SSC, BCOGA, LCOGA, VVOGA, OTSC, and RCUAC

Referees for the Tournament.

• SLASU Elite Panel of Referees to ensure fair play and high standards in officiating.

Event Highlights:

• U9 & U11 – Nalanda College will look to defend the Junior Title from a resurgent S. Thomas’s College and a dominant Royal College outfit in home conditions.
• U13 & U15 – Bishops College will be a keen contender in the format which was once dominated by Visakha Vidyalaya and Ladies’ College.
• U15 – Wesley College and Thurstan College had many close games last year which were separated by only 1 goal. Both teams will be eager to take an early psychological advantage this year.
• U15 – The Colombo International School Vs Gateway College game will be the first one to be played by both international schools. This is history in the making.
• U17 Matches: Aligned with Sri Lanka’s focus on the U17 Asian Age Group Championships in 2025, preparing athletes for international competitions.

Event Amplifiers:

• DJ and Papare Bands – To bring that big match atmosphere to everyone at the stadium.
• Carnival and Experience centers in the car park– a variety of food, drink, crafts and experience centers catering to the entire family for a fun day out.
• Bake sale – The participating schools will battle for supremacy out of the pool as well in the RCUAC Bake Sale Challenge. Visaka Vidyalaya put on a delicious and eye catching stall last year setting a high bar for the 2025 competition.
• Poster and decorations Competition – The Junior teams will put their best efforts to rise to the challenge this year where Ladies College triumphed with an artistic overall décor in the previous edition.

The sponsors supporting the event are Norfolk Foods, Royal College Batch of 2003, John Keels Office Automation, Fonterra, Red FM, Quadrangle, thepapare, MURC Live, Royal College Photographic society, Lanka Hospitals and Jetwing Hotels.

The 2025 edition of the RCUAC Challenge Shield is set to be bigger than the last and promises exciting match ups and entertainment through the day. The Masters game played between arch Rivals Royal College and S. Thomas’ College truly embodies the spirit of the theme, rekindling old friendships and rivalries that stand the test of time.

For further details please contact the Tournament Director Mr. Ulfath Uwais and Teams Liasson Officer Mr Mishan Kottearachchi from RCUAC on rcuac@rcu.lk.

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