The inaugural President’s Trophy Water Polo Encounter 2024, organized by the Youth Services Council in collaboration with the Royal College Union Aquatic Club, made a memorable debut at the Sugathadasa Swimming Pool Complex, captivating Water Polo enthusiasts over two exhilarating days. The event, held on the 29th and 30th of June, saw fierce competition among 30 teams and nearly 300 athletes across four age categories: Under 13, Under 17, Under 19, and Open.
The Preliminary rounds kicked off on the first day, setting the stage for intense matches and showcasing the remarkable talent of young athletes.
The second day began with the third-place matches in the morning session, where teams fought for a spot on the podium. The atmosphere was electric as the athletes gave their all, eager to secure a win for their schools and clubs. The evening session brought the finals, drawing in crowds of supporters who filled the stands with cheers and applause.
In the Under 13 Boys’ Final, Royal College triumphed over Nalanda College with a commanding score of 22-04, showcasing their prowess in the pool. The Under 13 Girls’ Final saw Visakha Vidyalaya outplay Musaeus College, dominating the game with a stunning 23-02 victory.
- Photos – President’s Trophy Waterpolo Tournament 2024 – Press Conference
- Photos – President’s Trophy Waterpolo Tournament 2024 – Day 01
- Photos – President’s Trophy Waterpolo Tournament 2024 – Day 02
The Under 17 Boys’ Final featured another outstanding performance by Royal College, who overwhelmed S. Thomas’ College with a decisive 29-04 win. In the girls’ category, Ladies’ College emerged victorious against Bishop’s College, securing a solid 09-02 victory and highlighting their strength and teamwork.
Royal College continued their winning streak in the Under 19 Boys’ Final, defeating S. Thomas’ College 19-07 in a thrilling match. The Under 19 Girls’ Final saw Ladies’ College once again outshine Bishop’s College with a score of 15-05, further cementing their reputation as formidable competitors.
The Open category Finals were a highlight of the encounter, with electrifying matches that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. The Sri Lanka Air Force Men’s team clinched victory against the Old Thomian Swimming Club by a narrow margin of one goal, while the Women’s team secured their win with a three-goal lead.
As the event drew to a close, cash prizes were awarded to the winners of the Under 19 and Open categories, recognizing their outstanding performances. The most valuable players of each age group were also honored, celebrating their exceptional contributions to their teams’ successes.
The most valuable players of each age group:
- U19 Boys – Dimitri Liyanage of Royal College
- U19 Girls – Treesha Adams of Ladies’ College
- Open Men’s – Isiwaruna De Silva of Sri Lanka Air Force
- Open Women’s – K. D. A. De Silva of Sri Lanka Air Force
The President’s Trophy Water Polo Encounter 2024 not only highlighted the athletic prowess of its participants, but also fostered a spirit of camaraderie and sportsmanship. This inaugural event has set a high standard for future encounters, promising even more excitement and unforgettable moments in the years to come.
