Defence Services dominate hockey and recreate history

Defence Services men’s team with officials

By Susil Premalal

The Defence Services Hockey Association reaffirmed their supremacy in Sri Lanka hockey by winning both the men’s and women’s titles at the 61st Men’s and 26th Women’s National Hockey Championships, organized by the Sri Lanka Hockey Federation (SLHF) in Colombo.

In the fiercely contested men’s final, the Defence Services team remained unbeaten throughout the tournament and clinched the title by defeating the State Services team 5-3 in an exciting final. Earlier in the semifinals, Defence Services overcame Matale HA, while State Services edged past Mercantile HA to reach the final.

This victory further extended Defence Services record as the team with the highest number of championships in the tournament’s history.

The women’s final had the Defence Services team also rise to the top, securing a 2-0 win against the Colombo Hockey Association to claim the championship. In individual accolades, Kusal Thilakasiri of Defence Services was adjudged Best Player of the Tournament in the men’s category and according to the organisers received a cash prize of Rs.100,000 for his outstanding performance. Amantha Silva, the State Services goalkeeper, was adjudged Best Goalkeeper and received Rs. 50,000.

Defence Services women’s team

In the women’s division, Imesha Weerabahu of Defence Services earned the LANKA IOC PLC - SERVO Best Player Award with a prize of Rs. 100,000 while Geetika Samanthi, goalkeeper of Colombo HA, was named Best Goalkeeper and awarded Rs. 50,000 according to the organisers.

The Mercantile HA team secured third place in the men’s tournament, while Wennappuwa HA claimed the women’s third-place finish.

This year’s edition featured 23 men’s teams and eight women’s teams, all affiliated with SLHF district associations, underscoring the growing participation and competitive spirit in Sri Lankan hockey.