Royal boy flourishes as selection pets falter

One of Sri Lanka’s brightest prospects shown the door in yet another of the country’s never-ending saga of banishing the best

By A Special Correspondent 

As Sri Lanka struggles through a disappointing Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Asian Under-17 Championship campaign in China, questions have emerged about the selection process that omitted one of the country’s most promising young talents: 16-year-old Royal College boy Azmaan Khan.

Azmaan, who was initially included in the 23-member provisional squad, was dropped from the final tour party, relegated only to standby status. What has drawn criticism from school and club circles is that no formal selection trials were held, with several parents and coaches expressing concern about the “haphazard” approach used by the selectors.

Yet, while the national team falters, Azmaan continues to flourish.

Just weeks before the tournament, Azmaan Khan was crowned MVP (Best Player) of the Ball Blaster All-Island Under-20 Football Tournament – an extraordinary feat considering he is only 16 years old, the youngest player ever to win the award in the competition’s history.

Khan delivered a commanding performance in the quarter-final victory over St. Joseph’s College, helping Royal advance to the semi-finals of the premier schools tournament. 

He also earned a place in the Royal College First XI (Under-20) team at just 15, demonstrating maturity and technical finesse far beyond his age.

Khan’s career statistics and pedigree are staggering for a schoolboy athlete. He has 136 competitive goals across school and club levels. Fifty plus goals each for Barcelona Football Academy Sri Lanka and Henry Pedris Football Academy. Fourteen goals in eight matches for Renown FC at the 2025 Kickerz Carnival, emerging as top scorer.

He has international experience with Ascot Academy Thailand and participation in the BSL International Tournament (Bangkok).

He was with the Champion team Barcelona Academy (U-14 and U-16) in Malaysia and won multiple Best Player awards, including honours presented by former Colombo Mayor Rosy Senanayake and the Football Federation.

Off the field, Azmaan Khan has also been recognised internationally, including receiving an official letter from Queen Elizabeth II for his football aspirations.

Given this résumé, many within the football community are questioning how a player of such calibre was overlooked during a time when Sri Lanka desperately needs youthful talent, leadership, and technical ability.

Despite the disappointment, Khan’s trajectory remains upward. His continued dominance for Royal College, combined with elite academy exposure and international experience, positions him as one of Sri Lanka’s most exciting young football attackers.

At just 16, with a goal-scoring record and leadership portfolio unmatched in his age group, Khan is more than a rising star. He is a reminder of what Sri Lanka stands to gain when its youth systems are aligned, structured, and merit-based.