Mandiv Ranasinghe leads Isipathana to joint championship after 33 years

The Isipathana College Under-16 Hockey team, led by Mandiv Ranasinghe, showcased exceptional skill and determination throughout the tournament, culminating in a memorable campaign that saw them crowned Joint Champions.

The final encounter against Vidyartha College, Kandy was unfortunately called off due to adverse weather conditions, resulting in both teams being declared joint champions of the tournament.

The competition was organised and conducted by the Sri Lanka Schools Hockey Federation, under the guidance of the Ministry of Education, and was held at the Uyanawatte Stadium, Matara.

Isipathana College competed in the highly competitive Schools ‘A’ Division, with 32 teams vying for the championship. The teams were divided into eight groups, with Isipathana placed in Group D alongside St. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, St. Aloysius’ College, Galle, and Hindu College, Matale.

In the group stage, the Isipathana team delivered dominant performances, defeating St. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia 1–0, St. Aloysius’ College, Galle 3–0, and Hindu College, Matale 1–0, emerging as Group D champions.

Advancing to the pre-quarterfinals, Isipathana faced Maris Stella College, Negombo. After a tightly contested match ended in a 1–1 draw, Isipathana prevailed in the penalty shootout 4–3.

In the quarterfinal, Isipathana secured a hard-fought 1–0 victory over President’s College, Maharagama. The semifinal saw another closely fought contest against Zahira College, Matale, which again ended in a 1–1 draw, before Isipathana triumphed on penalty strokes 5–4 to book their place in the final.

Unfortunately, persistent bad weather forced the final to be abandoned, resulting in Isipathana College and Vidyartha College, Kandy being declared joint champions.

A.M.M. Saad emerged as the star performer of the tournament, finishing as the top scorer with nine goals, while G. Methupa Vishwajith Perera was adjudged the Best Goalkeeper of the tournament.

This achievement holds special significance in the history of Isipathana College Hockey. The College last claimed the All Island Schools Hockey Championship in 1992, defeating St. Benedict’s College, Kotahena by 1–0. This latest triumph comes 33 years after that historic victory, marking a proud moment for the Isipathana Hockey fraternity.

Isipathana College Under-16 Hockey Team

Mandiv Ranasinghe (Captain),
A.M.M. Saad (Vice Captain),
Abdul Azeez (Vice Captain),
W.L.L.P. Wanigasinghe,
H.R.H.L. Girvana,
M.K.I. Girsy,
K.N. Ashen Perera,
G. Methupa Vishwajith Perera,
M. Shahan Ansari,
M. Naqib Zafarullah,
K. Rehan Jayawardena,
P.D. Nisala Dewsara,
S. Akain Othnapitiyage,
K.M.O. Sanjul Rodrigo,
K.P. Chemuth Thawasara,
M.M. Rashen Pansilu,
D.U.W.C. Mohotti,
A.H.L.D.D. Nireekshana,
S.L.T. Bometh Ranasinghe,
Helith Jithnuka