School for the deaf conquers new frontier, basketball

A Team of Basketball Players are Opening the Eyes and Ears of a Society

By. Lithira Ekanayaka

May.19 (Mirror Sports) - For the students of the Ratmalana School for the Deaf, “Forward Beyond Barriers” is no longer just a school motto, but a reality lived and shared on the basketball court.

Gaining the attention of a wider audience, the school’s basketball team recently competed for the first time ever in the Schools Basketball Tournament 2026 Division D - Tier 2 boys’ competition, marking an important milestone for student-athletes with disabilities.

The school’s basketball team finished the tournament on a high note with a win against Science College in their opening game, followed by a closely fought encounter against Badulla Central College, where they lost by only a five-point margin. However, for these students and the school, this tournament cannot be measured by wins or losses alone. Instead, it became a symbol of confidence, independence, social acceptance and proof that they are capable.

The team, which consisted of 10 players, was overjoyed and more motivated than ever after their victory in the opening game of the tournament. While the core of the team consists of players born in 2011 and 2012, the younger members, despite being smaller in size, also contributed significantly to the team’s progress and spirit, gaining invaluable experience and exposure for future tournaments.

The team’s coach, Greshan Anthony Silva, who has been a basketball coach since 2011, joined the school voluntarily in 2024 without even expecting any payment. After renovating the school’s outdoor court, the team began training in May 2025 and has made remarkable progress within a year.

One of the biggest initial adjustments for the coach was communication. Since he did not know sign language, he had to adapt quickly, learning the basics within weeks of joining the school. Over time, he familiarised himself with signs and gestures relevant to coaching basketball, such as speeding up play, defending and running faster.

Interestingly, none of the players had played basketball before and all of them were completely new to the sport. The coach also revealed that in the beginning, he had to rely on constant demonstrations to teach the boys the fundamentals of the game and they gradually began to understand its flow. Despite being newcomers to the sport, the boys now possess a sound understanding of basketball’s technical aspects. What stands out even more is their sportsmanship and conduct during games, where they consistently display honesty, discipline and fair play. According to the coach, even when referees and officials miss a foul or violation, the players themselves willingly admit the error by stopping the play or returning the possession of the ball without waiting for the whistle.

In addition, coach Silva emphasised that the 24-second shot clock remains one of the biggest challenges for the players, as they are unable to hear the warning buzzer during play.

Despite these achievements and emotional successes, financial difficulties remain a serious issue for the team as proper basketball shoes, practice kits and in-game jerseys remain urgent needs. Yet, proving that commitment can outweigh material advantages, the boys continue to perform in basic basketball shoes and gear, unlike many young athletes who aspire to own signature shoes and premium basketball gear. “As of now, we have only one jersey,” Silva explained. “In basketball, a team usually needs two kits — one light and one dark — especially when games are scheduled close together." 

Beyond equipment, the floor of their outdoor court also requires repairs.

Another major victory may have taken place off the court. The coach explained that this journey has been instrumental in changing the perspectives of the players’ parents. As he pointed out, many families of children with disabilities believe that such children should remain only within spaces specifically designed for differently able individuals. That mindset has gradually shifted, as parents now see them as capable individuals who can thrive and succeed in society.

The coach also appreciated the inclusivity shown by the Sri Lanka Schools Basketball Association, particularly in treating these players equally alongside other mainstream school teams and assisting them promptly with tournament documentation and other administrative requirements.

Concluding the conversation, coach Silva delivered a heartfelt message to society, urging people to believe in the abilities of differently abled individuals rather than defining them through their disabilities.

He explained it through a powerful comparison: “Even in basketball, no player can give 100% all the time. Maybe one player can only give 97%. The focus should be on the 97% he can do, not the 3% he cannot. It is the same with these children. They cannot hear, but they can do everything else to perfection." “Trust their talent, not their disability. Don’t pity them — respect their talent. What they need is respect, not sympathy. Respect can take them places.”

As the boys of Ratmalana School for the Deaf continue to move forward beyond barriers and live by their school motto, Society can wish them greater success, wider recognition and more opportunities both on and off the court.