The Sri Lankan girls’ and boys’ outfits secured 7th and 8th places, respectively, at the Under-18 Asia Cup 2025, concluded at the Dazhou National Hockey Training Centre in China. The formidable Japanese side clinched the men’s title by beating Pakistan with a 3–0 margin. The Japanese lasses never looked back, rising to the occasion and claiming the women’s title by edging out the strong Chinese lineup 1–0.
Men’s Tournament
The Sri Lankan lads faced Indonesia in the 7th place classification match. The Lions entered the game with a positive mindset after comfortably beating Hong Kong 2–0.
The vice-captain from Trinity College, Mohommad Arkam, made his mark by scoring the first goal in the 11th minute of the first quarter. However, Indonesia responded with a goal in the final seconds of the same quarter to equalize. There were no further goals in the second quarter.
In the third quarter, Indonesia took the lead with a second goal and extended their advantage five minutes later with a third. Despite Sri Lanka’s determined attempts to counter-attack in the final quarter, the resilient Indonesian side held firm, sealing a dominant 3–1 victory.
In the cup semifinals, Japan comfortably defeated a rising Bangladeshi side 6–4, while Pakistan edged out Malaysia in a penalty shootout (4–3) after a 3–3 tie at full time. In the final, Japan emerged victorious with a commanding 3–0 win over Pakistan.
Women’s Tournament
Sri Lanka vs Chinese Taipei
In the 5th–8th classification segment, Sri Lanka started with zero points as Chinese Taipei had already defeated them 3–0 in the preliminary stage, with those points carried forward.
Sri Lanka vs Uzbekistan
Sri Lanka next faced Uzbekistan, who managed to take the lead just before the short whistle. Although both teams displayed an attacking style, no goals were scored in the second and third quarters. In the final quarter, captain Nesadhi Hirushika Samarakoon stood tall and scored the
much-needed equaliser. However, in the final minute, the Uzbek side struck again to seal a 2–1 win against the spirited Sri Lankan lasses.
Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong China
In the next match, Sri Lanka faced Hong Kong China. The first quarter ended goalless. In the second quarter, Hong Kong China found the back of the net, and their 1–0 lead held until the final whistle.
Sri Lanka vs Hong Kong China (7th Place Classification Encounter)
After a difficult campaign with no wins, the Sri Lankan lasses entered the 7th place classification match against the same opponents from the previous game. Both sides fought tooth and nail, with no goals scored in the first three quarters. Finally, vice-captain Tharushika Subhasinghe from Holy Family Convent, Wennappuwa, scored a brilliant goal to earn a hard-fought win and break the losing streak for the Sri Lankan team.
In the final of the girls’ tournament, the Japanese side edged out arch-rivals China with a narrow 1–0 victory.
Final Stadings
Boys Tournament
1. Japan
2. Pakistan
3. Malaysia
4. Bangladesh
5. Uzbekistan
6. China
7. Indonesia
8. Sri Lanka
9. Chinese Taipei
10. Kazakhstan
11. Hong Kong China
Girls Tournament
1. Japan
2. China
3. Bangladesh
4. Kazakhstan
5. Uzbekistan
6. Chinese taipei
7. Sri Lanka
8. Hong Kong China
