The 2023 edition of the RCUAC Challenge shield was concluded at the Royal College Pool on Saturday the 20th of May 2023. 

A staggering 25 Water polo teams, from 11 leading schools, were part of a Water polo tournament like non other. With an Under 11 category being introduced this year, it makes for a brighter future of Water polo in Sri Lanka. 

The school’s participating were; Bishops College, Visaka Vidyalaya, Ladies College, Colombo International School, Gateway College, S. Thomas’ College, Nalanda College, St. John’s College, Thurstan College, D.S Senanayake College and hosts Royal College. 

This is Sri Lanka’s only tournament dedicated to promoting; U11, U13, U15 and U17 Water polo teams in competition. The Initiative by the Royal College Union Aquatic Club (RCUAC), was organized under the theme, “For the Love of the Game”. 

The format and organization ensured, that the games rolled on seamlessly from one to another. The high adrenaline games were only stopped during the lunch break for the half time show, during which DJ Vinod and DJ Ronaldo from TNL Now kept the crowd entertained with a super mix of 90’s and contemporary music to cater to the large crowds in the stands.  

The organizers were also keen to minimize single use plastics at the event. Aqua Fresh provided the ideal solution in having Water dispensers for players and fans alike, providing hydration to everyone at the event throughout the day in an environmentally friendly manner. 

While all the excitement was taking place in the pool area, the car park was gradually transformed into a Carnival space, comprising vendors with much Food & Drink, Experience and Apparel stalls. It was the ideal day out for families and friends, to enjoy a wide variety of interests with laughter and joy, and everyone reminiscing the good old times at the Royal College pool premises. 

The last event for the day was the Royal College Masters team Vs S. Thomas’ College Masters team, an over 35 age group match played in the best spirits of the game. Many years after fierce competitions between these great teams it was nice to see the game played at a relaxed pace and enjoyed by everyone. 

The  Match Results are as follows:

Under 11 Boys:

Final – Royal College defeated Nalanda College by 8 goals to 3 goals.

The highest goals scorer was Mr Yahiya Farhan of Royal College. 

Under 13 Boys:

Final – Royal College defeated Thurstan College by 7 goals to 3.

The highest goals scorers with 2 goals each were Mr T. Liyanage and A. Kareem of Royal College. 

Under 13 Girls:

Final – Visakha Vidyalaya beat Gateway College by 7 goals to 1. 

The highest goal scorer was Ms. V. De Silva Of Visaka Vidyalaya.

Under 15 Boys:

Final – Royal College defeated S. Thomas’ College by 13 goals to 4 goals. 

The highest goal scorers in the final were Mr. Lithum Karunasena and Mr Sulaimaan Shihar with 2 goals each. 

The Best Player award considering all games played in the tournament was given to Mr Dinal Wellappili of Royal College.  

Under 15 Girls:

League Format Deciding Match – Visakha Vidyalaya beat Bishops College in their deciding match 7 goals to 4 goals in a league format involving Ladies College.  

Best Player award was given to Ms. Ranudi Weerawardhane of Visakha Vidyalaya. 

Under 17 Boys:

Final – Nalanda College defeated Colombo International School by 7 goals to 1 goal. 

Best Player award was given to Mr Pansilu Jayamanne of Nalanda College.  

Under 18 Girls:

League Format Deciding Match –  Visakha Vidyalaya beat Ladies College in their deciding match 9 goals to 3 goals in a league format involving Bishops College.  

Best Player award was given to Ms. Thiyumi Gunawardena of Visakha Vidyalaya. 

The tournament was sanctioned by the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union and used the shot clock in keeping with international standards. The long term vision for having these events, is to promote Water Polo, to as many schools as possible, and in turn build a strong pool of athletes to represent Sri Lanka. 

The RCUAC would like to thank everyone involved from; the Chairman of the Organizing Committee Mr Kavindra Samaraweera and Tournament Director Mr Shan Lakshitha of the RCUAC and the sponsors;  Royal College Batch of 2003, Nestle Lanka, Bairaha Farms PLC, Munchi PLC, Aqua Fresh, Jetwing Hotels, and Taj Benthota Resort and Spa, A Sincere thank you to the Royal College Union, Royal College Doctors Association, Red Cross Society, Board of Management for the Royal College Pool, School Development Society, Chaiwala Colombo, Alerics Ice creams, Glyco candy, Cake Box, Food Company, Athlete unleashed, Fitness Formula, Premadasa Riding School and Extreme Gravel, Media Partners TNL Now, Thepapare.com, Quadrangle, MURC Live, Good News Lanka & Shutter K1000 for supporting the event.     

Many thanks to everyone who came to watch all the games and for believing in the RCUAC Challenge Shield Tournament, and building it up to be one of the largest Junior Water polo tournaments in the country.