SLAF Men’s baseball team clinches historic victory at 13th Defence Services Championship

 The victorious SLAF Men’s baseball team celebrate

By Susil Premalal 

The Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Men’s baseball team etched their name in history with a hard-fought 4–2 victory over the Sri Lanka Army in the final of the 13th Defence Services Baseball Championship 2024/2025, securing their first-ever title in the tournament.

The finals, held at the Japan–Sri Lanka Friendship Baseball Ground 

in Diyagama, marked the culmination of a thrilling championship organised by the Sri Lanka Navy as part of the ongoing Defence Services Games.

Demonstrating strategic precision and team discipline, the SLAF overcame their formidable Army rivals in a gripping contest, underscoring the rising standards of baseball within the Tri-services.

In the Women’s category, the Sri Lanka Army emerged champions after overcoming the SLAF women’s team, who finished as runners-up. Significantly, this was only the second time in Defence Services history that a Women’s Baseball Tournament was held — this edition conducted on a trial basis, pointing to a promising future for women’s participation in the sport within the armed forces.

The final was graced by Rear Admiral G.S.D. Weerasuriya, Director General Services of the Sri Lanka Navy, who was the Chief Guest. Other notable dignitaries included Air Commodore Chandimal Hettiarachchi, Chairman of SLAF Baseball, and Brigadier K.A.D.C.R. Kannangara, Director of Sports for the Sri Lanka Army. The event also drew the presence of senior Tri-service officials and baseball enthusiasts.

Tournament Awards

Men’s Category – SLAF
Most Valuable Player: Corporal Sandaruwan W.D.
Best Pitcher: Leading Aircraftman Meegoda M.K.S.C.
Best Batter: Corporal Indunil W.C.
Women’s Category – SLAF
Best Fielder: Corporal Dilangi S.A.H.