Gateway makes memorable christening of basketball courts

Gateway College Colombo boys’ and girls’ teams comprising Marlon Peter, Dulain Theverapperuma, Navindu Waduwawela, Anujitha Samarasundara, Vihas Ranawaka, Tevan Sela, Jithein Kulatunga, Jehan Ranawake, Samuel Tsung, Dhanuka Wijegoonaratne, Nethun Mandilu, Jonathan Herath, Julan Senmitha, Ashain Theverapperuma, Sankitha Navaratne, Sanuki Madapatha, Dulansa Thilakaratne, Yohali Balasuriya, Jaylyyj De Zilwa, Nichol Fernando, Maleena Premathilake, Vineja Wijekoon, Suhana Amit, Imalki Perera, Savannah Daniel, Ara Riza, Aleeza Morseth, Raneen Nazih and Mayumi Liyanage pose for a ceremonial picture with their trophies

Gateway College Colombo achieved an extraordinary double triumph by winning both the boys’ and girls’ championships at the Inter-International Schools Under-19 Basketball Tournament that was contested by the leading International Schools in the country that showcased talent, teamwork and sportsmanship.

Thirteen leading schools battled for the coveted boys’ title that took in Gateway College (Colombo and Kandy), Lyceum International School (Nugegoda, Panadura, Wattala), Stafford International School, Horizon College International, Royal Institute, Wycherley International School, Elizabeth Moir School, Colombo International School (Colombo and Kandy) and Asian International School.

From the opening whistle, Gateway College Colombo displayed consistency and composure, remaining unbeaten throughout the competition.

Gateway defeated Colombo International School, Kandy 50–13 in the quarter final, Elizabeth Moir School 59–43 in the semifinal and clinched the title with a commanding 62–48 win over Asian International School.

Their seamless coordination and tactical mastery on court reflected the making of true champions, elevating Gateway as the undisputed powerhouse of the tournament.

The Best Offensive Player was Anujitha Samarasundara (Gateway College Colombo), Best Defensive Player Methun Wiendra (Asian International School) and the Most Valuable Player Navindu Waduwawela (Gateway College Colombo).

Gateway College Colombo boys’ team comprised Marlon Peter (Captain), Dulain Theverapperuma, Navindu Waduwawela, Anujitha Samarasundara, Vihas Ranawaka, Tevan Sela, Jithein Kulatunga, Jehan Ranawake, Samuel Tsung, Dhanuka Wijegoonaratne, Nethun Mandilu, Jonathan Herath, Julan Senmitha, Ashain Theverapperuma and Sankitha Navaratne.

The girls’ championship was equally competitive, featuring ten prominent teams, Gateway College Colombo, Lyceum International School (Panadura, Wattala, Nugegoda), Horizon College International, Wycherley International School Colombo, Elizabeth Moir School, Colombo International School (Colombo and Kandy) and Asian International School.
Gateway’s girls’ team had a hard-fought 61–57 win over Lyceum International School Nugegoda in the semi-finals and edged past Colombo International School Colombo 48–44 in a nail-biting final to secure the championship — completing a historic double victory for Gateway.

The Best Offensive Player was Tinara Perera (Colombo International School Colombo), Best Defensive Player Sanuki Madapatha (Gateway College Colombo) and Most Valuable Player Yohali Balasuriya (Gateway College Colombo).

Gateway College Colombo girls’ team was made up of Sanuki Madapatha (Captain), Dulansa Thilakaratne, Yohali Balasuriya, Jaylyyj De Zilwa, Nichol Fernando, Maleena Premathilake, Vineja Wijekoon, Suhana Amit, Imalki Perera, Savannah Daniel, Ara Riza, Aleeza Morseth, Raneen Nazih and Mayumi Liyanage.

The event was most memorable for Gateway as it was the first tournament played on their newly commissioned Olympic-grade basketball courts built to FIBA-approved standards and the courts feature a shock-absorbent, rubberized surface with an advanced air-cushion system that enhances player safety and elevates the quality of play to international standards according to the school.