From Gaming to basketball addict

 Samuel Tsung (second from left) with his Sri Lanka team-mates

By Rochelle Palipane Gunaratne

At just 15, Samuel Tsung has already earned his place among Sri Lanka’s most promising young basketball talents. His journey, however, was not paved with easy victories or instant recognition — it was built on countless hours of training, resilience through injury, and an unshakable faith in God.

“I got the opportunity to play in the U15 Inter International Schools tournament in 2022 and once again we were crowned Champions. The year 2024 was a spectacular year for Gateway College and we were Champions in the U15 and U17 Inter International Tournament”, he said in an interview.

Excerpts of the interview:

Q : Tell me how this all began. How did basketball become such a big part of your life?

I was an avid gamer, staying up late nights to play games online and this was my weekend life and any free time I had, was put into gaming. I was an addict to gaming. Then I was given the opportunity to play for the Gateway U13 basketball team at the inter-International School’s tournament in 2022.  After this tournament I fell in love with the game of basketball and that is where it all began — thereafter I just trained and trained. At first, I wasn’t even sure how far I could go. Through the support of my parents, my coaches, and a lot of hard work, I grew from being a complete beginner to where I am today. I really thank God for that.

When I first started, I didn’t get to play much at all. I was a bench warmer and came very close to quitting. But something inside me told me to prove my worth. So, I kept going. Then came a major setback — an ankle injury that forced me to take months off. At first, I thought I’d never play again. But after resting and recovering, I started training every morning and evening at a court near my house. For nearly five months, I worked on rebuilding my strength, my shot, and my athleticism. That was one of the toughest periods of my life, but also the most defining.
Q: Tell me about your journey through the different age groups and tournaments.

I started playing for the Gateway College U13 team in 2022, then moved to the U14 team, to play in the Sri Lanka Schools Tournaments, we were crowned Champions in the Colombo North Zone. But when I tried for the U16 team, I got cut — that was hard. However, I got the opportunity to play in the U15 Inter International Schools tournament in 2022 and once again we were crowned Champions. The year 2024 was a spectacular year for Gateway College, we were Champions in the U15 and U17 Inter International Tournament. Gateway also won the Championship in the Sri Lanka Schools U15 A division tournament. 

This year has been a spectacular and memorable year for me, I had the awesome privilege to wear the Sri Lanka Crest and represent my country at the U16 South Asia Basketball Association qualifiers tournament conducted in the Maldives. We emerged runners-up at the tournament. And I was a key part of the team that won the U19 Inter International Tournament and the U17 A division All Island Sri Lanka Schools Basketball Tournament. The year got even better when I was selected to the 3x3 Sri Lanka team for the Asian Youth Games.

Q  : And what about the recognition — the awards, the national selections?

My first major award came when I was named Best Defensive Player in the U15 Inter International tournament in 2024. Later, I also won Best Offensive Player in the U15 A Division All Island Sri Lanka Schools Tournament in 2024.

When it came to national selections that was another huge challenge. I had been training for years — even through my injury — just to prepare. The first round had nearly 500 plus players. It was intense.

I almost lost focus at one point because of the pressure and it affected how I played. But after talking with my dad, I realised that fear would only hold me back. So I changed my mindset - and once I did that, things changed. Eventually, I made it to the national U16 team.

When I went for my second national trials — for the Asian Youth Games — my name was already recognised because I had made the previous team. I didn’t perform well in the first selection rounds, but I came back strong in the final one, and that secured my spot. I was selected as a reserve and did not travel with the team.  

Q  : You’ve mentioned several coaches along your journey. Who are your biggest mentors?

My first head coach Tharindu Fernando, coached me from the very beginning. Under him, I had a two-year streak of not losing a single game. Later, I worked with Hansindu Fernando our ex-Gateway assistant coach and Sugath Thevarappurama. 

I also had another coach, Kanishka Sendanayake, who sadly passed away in 2023. His death deeply affected me. I used to message him after every accomplishment. I am planning to hold a memorial game in his honour next year, on his second death anniversary to raise funds for a worthy cause of men’s mental health awareness.

And of course, my parents — they’ve been my backbone. My dad talks to me before and after every game and attends all my matches. My mum stays up for me after late practices, cooks my meals and supports me in every possible way. My uncle Raj has also been incredible — he even chaperoned me to Thailand for a basketball tour and made sure I was well taken care of

Q  : How do you manage school alongside basketball?
I am a student athlete – Student first, then an athlete. I am not a straight A student but I am keeping pace with my school work. I try to balance it. My schedule is packed with practices, tournaments and training sessions. There are sacrifices — missing festivals, parties, or even regular hangouts because of basketball. But I know it’s worth it. 

Q : How do you deal with competition and pressure?

I’ve learned not to see anyone as competition. If I start thinking the opponent is better than me, I don’t play well. So, I go in with confidence — not arrogance, but self-belief and my go-to-Bible verse is: ‘I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.’ That’s what helps me perform at my best.

Discipline is also key. It’s not just about how hard you train; it’s about how consistently you show up. There are moments of stress and disappointment, but I’ve learned to see them as lessons rather than setbacks.

Q  : What’s it like playing in a national team with players from different schools and backgrounds?
At first, it was a challenge — different languages, personalities and ways of playing. But spending so much time together helped us bond. We practiced three times a day, travelled together, and even stayed in dorms during training camps and later in the Maldives. Over time, we became like brothers. There’s a strong sense of brotherhood and support in the team — when one of us is having a rough day, the others lift him up.

Q  : What would you say to other young players who dream of being recognised for basketball in Sri Lanka?

I’d tell them — never give up. Whatever struggle you’re facing, it will get better. You might not see it now, but every obstacle has a purpose. When I hurt my ankle, I thought my career was over, but that setback made me stronger. And most importantly, I give all glory to God and I truly believe He has a plan for me. Trust the process and keep the faith — God’s plan is always greater than ours.

Samuel Tsung in action