Servo Challenge Trophy: Isipathana U-14 teams emerge runners-up

Isipathana College’s Under-14 boys’ hockey team, led by Abdul Malik, showcased their skills and determination to finish runners-up in the boys’ category of the U-14 Inter-Schools Boys/Girls Hockey Servo Challenge Trophy 2025. The thrilling final against Elwala Vidyalaya ended in a draw, with Isipathana narrowly losing in a single-series penalty shootout.

Organised by the Matale Hockey Club and sponsored by Servo, the tournament brought together 24 boys’ and 16 girls’ teams from across the island, including six boys’ and four girls’ teams from Colombo.

The Green Machine’s U-14 boys impressed throughout the tournament:

• League stage: beat Sri Parakum Vidyalaya 2–0, St. Anthony’s College 2–0, drew with Christ Church College 0–0, won on penalties against St. Peter’s College 3–2, and beat St. Aloysius College 4–2.

• Knockouts: defeated Maris Stella College 2–1 in the quarter-final, overcame Royal College 2–1 in the semi-final, and narrowly lost to Elwala Vidyalaya in the final.

Under the guidance of Principal Dharshana Udawattage, with strong support from Teacher-in-Charge Nayana Padmakumari, Head Coach Chamika Lanerolle, and Assistant Coach Kasun, the team earned recognition as one of the top junior hockey sides in the country.

Isipathana College U-14 Boys’ Hockey Team:
Abdul Malik Azyan (Captain), Mohamed Naqib, Kevin Rehan Jayawardena, Thejan Aranalu, Vethuja Sasmine Pallihakkara, Dulina Dulsen, Niven Sandil Othnapitiyage, A.M. Umar, Senula Thejaka Amarasinghe, Nilsara Dissanayake, M. Zaid Malik, N. Nilesh, M. Shezad Malik, H. Sanuka Dilsara, Helith Jithnuka Piyadasa, Senal Dihen Perera