Sri Lanka’s first ever International Water Polo championship successfully concluded on Saturday. India claimed the Gold in the inaugural championship while SLWP Lions had to be satisfied with Silver. SLWP Sharks won bronze medal.
The Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union along with Sri Lanka Water Polo had Invited Maharashtra India team for a Triangular tournament and began on the 2nd April and was held for 3 days. SLWP Lions met Indian National Brownze medalist Maharastra team in the big final on the 5th April held at Police Pool.
It was set to be an interesting game and as expected when these two teams met on the 4th the game ended as an 8-all draw. The final was played under lights and a massive crowd was present to witness this historic final.
The Indians opened their account through a goal from S. A. Vadiya but Sri Lankans cut short the lead when Shehan Dassanayake scored for Sri Lanka. Scores read as 1-all end of 1st quarter.
The Indians then proving their Indian Water Polo standards and National winning capacity scored 3 quick goals taking the game away from Sri Lanka. The goals were scored by A. Kunde, S. Vadiya and S. A. Vadiya making this his 2nd goal of the game. Sri Lanka then stuck one through Musharraf Uwais before the end of the quarter keeping the game alive. Scores read as 4-2 in favor of India end of 2nd quarter.
The 3rd quarter belonged to Sri Lanka where they scored thrice. Shehan Dassanayake scored twice in the 3rd quarter making it a hat trick for him while Yahan Samarajeewa cchipped in with a goal but the Indians came back to score 2 more in the quarter to keep the lead. Goals came from S. A. Vadiya making it a hat trick for him and U. Uttekar. Scores end of 3rd quarter 6-5 in favor of India.
The 4th quarter was a nil-all quarter where many shots were missed by both teams. The pressure was rising high with each missed Sri Lanka shot as crowd were on their feet wanting Sri Lanka to win their 1st championship on home soil. But all efforts failed and when the final whistle blew scores remained 6-5 in favor of India.
It was a highly contested game between both teams and Sri Lanka would be proud of their performance against such a high rated team which also includes Indian National Players.
We congratulate Indian Team on their victory!
