In the bustling city of Kandy, The University of Peradeniya recently hosted an exciting 3×3 Basketball tournament, welcoming over 65 teams competing across five categories: Open Men, Open Women, University Men, University Women and U18 Boys. From seasoned veterans to up-and-coming talents, the event showcased the diverse skill sets and competitive spirit of Basketball enthusiasts from across Sri Lanka.
At the forefront of the tournament was the University category, where collegiate teams battled for supremacy on the court. Organized meticulously by the University of Peradeniya, this event provided a stage for both seasoned players and emerging talents to shine.
One of the standout narratives of the tournament was the coaching prowess of Vinura Illangasinghe, who guided not one but two teams to victory. Illangasinghe served as the mentor for both the University of Kelaniya’s Women’s team, known as the Crossovers, and the SLIIT A team, demonstrating his exceptional leadership and strategic acumen.
Under Illangasinghe’s tutelage, the Crossovers from the University of Kelaniya clinched their second consecutive triumph in the University category, securing an impressive 11-point victory over the Kothalawala Defense University’s Hoopers. Led by standout performances from Shenali Diyon, Nipulini Jayasinghe, Chamali Thanthiriwatta, and Suleka Jayathilaka, the Crossovers showcased their dominance on the court.
In the University Men’s Finals, SLIIT A, led by Illangasinghe, triumphed over the NIBM Huskers with a narrow 15-13 victory. Spearheaded by Tharusha Weerasinghe, Chamodya Perera, Rasi Randombage and Sanjana de Costa, SLIIT A displayed resilience and composure, earning the coveted title under Illangasinghe’s expert guidance.
The U18 Boys category saw the Hoopers team emerge victorious, boasting a formidable lineup including Senithu Herath, Kemitha Gunawardena, Sanupa Jayasinghe, and Theesara Galgodawatte. Meanwhile, in the Open Men’s division, the Blacks team claimed the championship, led by Rinaz Muhais, Dasun Mendis, Narvin Ganesh, and Simron Yogananthan. Similarly, in the Open Women’s category, the Greeks Girls Sr. team reigned supreme. The team featured Dileka Perera, Diani Kumari, and Livinma Sriwarnasinghe.
Beyond the fierce competition, the tournament fostered camaraderie and sportsmanship among participants. As champions were crowned and the event concluded, the University of Peradeniya’s 3×3 Basketball Tournament left a lasting impression, underscoring the university’s dedication to promoting sports excellence and nurturing a vibrant sporting culture in Sri Lanka. With such enthusiasm and talent on display, the future of Basketball in the country appears promising.
