The Isipathana College Under-14 Hockey team continued their dominance in school hockey by winning the Gold Star Award for the third consecutive year at the All-Island Schools Hockey Tournament 2024, organised by the Sri Lanka Schools Hockey Association under the guidance of the Ministry of Education.
Under the leadership of captain Naqib Zafarulla, the young Greens showcased exceptional skill and teamwork throughout the tournament. Zafarulla emerged as the tournament’s top scorer, netting 11 goals out of the team’s 16, cementing his status as one of the brightest emerging hockey talents in the country. His contributions included 4 goals against Kekirawa Central College, 4 against Kegalle Vidyalaya, 1 against Hindu National School, Matale, and 2 against Pathadumbara NS, Kandy.
Isipathana College was drawn alongside Pathadumbara NS Kandy, Girandurukotte NS, Hindu NS Matale, Kegalle Vidyalaya, and Kekirawa Central College. The team won four out of their five matches, with a single draw against Hindu National School, Matale, demonstrating remarkable consistency and determination across all encounters.
The squad representing Isipathana College in the Under-14 category included:
M. Naqib Zafarulla (Captain), K. Rehan Jayawardena, Abdul Malik Azyan, D.D. Helith Jithnuka, B.A.S. Sathsilu Weerasinghe, G.S. Induwana Perera, D.M.S. Nilsara Dissanayake, K.S. Dihen Perera, M.M. Mohamed Zaid, K.D.N. Kalsarith Kandegama, J. Sandakith Nawarathna, H. Sanuka Dilsara, N. Sandil Othnapitiyage, N. Kumara Nilesh, A.M. Umar, M.M. Mohamed Shezad, P.A. Vethuja Sasmina, R.P. Dulina Dulsen, S. Thejaka Amarasingha, I.G. Savidu Mihisara.
This historic third consecutive Gold Star Award highlights Isipathana College’s commitment to nurturing young hockey talent and strengthens its position as one of the leading schools in the country for hockey.
The team’s achievement not only celebrates the hard work and dedication of the players but also the guidance of the coaching staff and support from the school community.