Junior golf ends on successful note

By Shamseer Jaleel

The President’s Cup Junior Open Golf Championship 2026 concluded at the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club (NEGC) that showcased the island’s finest young talent across multiple age divisions. 

Emerging players delivered composed performances highlighting the strength of Sri Lanka’s junior golf.

In the Senior Open Division (19 to 25) Jacob Norton was in sensational form from the inception onwards having a total score of 225 over the three days while Hiruka Thathsara was runner up with a total score of 250.

In the Copper Division (Under 9), Pradeep Hakshara secured the title with an impressive total of 143, displaying remarkable control for his age. Ompragash Thrinyani finished runner-up on 195. In the boys’ division Usara Nugegoda won with 125 while Thisura Premarathne scored 128 to end runner up.

The Bronze Division (10–11 years) produced tightly contested battles. In the girls’ segment, Fathima Zeeniya emerged champion with 176, ahead of Mushfira Muzammil (184). In the boys’ segment Yuvan Rathiskanth was in sparkling form scoring 148 with Dhyana Perera ended runner up with a score of 176.

In the Silver Division (12–18 years). Vidar Thisaranath dominated the girls’ event with a winning total of 265, while Venudi Keerthana finished runner-up on 312. In the boys’ category of 12 to 14-plus in Silver, Udheera Bandara scored 232 while Lithum Silva was runner up at 283.

The Gold Division (15–18 years) showed elite junior standards. Sithara Lorance captured the girls’ title with 268, followed by Kailyn Norton as runner-up on 287. In the boys’ event, Lavidu Premarathna emerged champion with 217, while Janev Thas Rathikanth finished second with 228.