After two disappointing encounters in the first and second matches, the Sri Lankan Junior Water polo team secured a historic 13-7 victory against India in the third and final water polo match that was played at the South Asian Aquatic Championship that was held at the Sugathadasa Swimming Pool Complex.
Sri Lanka lost their first two games to India after a strong fight where the first encounter went in favour of the Indians with full-time scores reading 10-8. The second game was a better competition where the Sri Lankans were forfeited by a single goal as full-time scores read 7-6 in favour of the Indians.
With Sri Lanka having nothing to lose, they came up strong against the Indians in their final match to win it 13-7. The Indian team throughout the tournament were the best in defence barring the Sri Lankan props near the goal posts.
However, Sri Lanka broke through their opponents in the third game amassing a massive stand of 13 goals while in reply the Indians scored only 7. For the Sri Lankans leading from the front was Sachitha Jayatillake with two goals while skipper Ashane Francis and Isura Kahandawala contributed with three goals each. Royalist Basith Yakoob scored two while Shakya Gunathilake, Kisal Assalarachchi and Thamindu Ranasinghe scored a goal each.
Photos: South Asian Aquatic Championship 2016 – Final Day
Photos of the South Asian Aquatic Championship 2016 – Final Day
The Indian’s played a nasty game in the pool with an early red card being shown by the referee for kicking an opposition player and were reduced to six members. Later in the match towards the dying stages Sri Lanka’s skipper as well another Indian player were sent off but that decision did not tamper with the overall result.
Sri Lanka won the third match but India ended up winning the gold medal-winning the series 2-1. This was the first occasion where a Sri Lankan water polo team has ever won a water polo match with an Indian outfit at any age level. Sri Lanka will have some positives to take back despite finishing second.
It was a disappointment for the Sri Lankan girls who gave a strong fight in the 1st match of their two game series as the 2nd and final encounter went in favour of India with scores reading 15-3.
Sri Lanka who drew the first match 12-12 put up a disappointing display in the second match and was forced to settle for silver.
