The much-awaited “SLIIT Hockey 7’s tournament” unfolded at the SLIIT Grounds, Malambe, and the hosts delivered a remarkable display of skill, teamwork, and determination, showcasing true spirit to secure both men’s and women’s titles. This achievement stands not only as a testament to the hard work, resilience, and commitment of the athletes but also to the capability of organising such a gala event.
In this fierce competition, the following top private and semi-government university teams competed against each other for the glory.
- Nijabima Satana Hockey Tournament; Navy men, Air Force women and Vijaya boys clinch the titles
- Trinity and HFC Wennappuwa crowned Blue & Gold Hockey 7s champions
Mens Event : NSBM Green University, KDU, SLIIT University, Law College, SLTC, CINEC
Women’s Event : NSBM Green University, KDU, SLIIT University, Law College, CINEC
As the tournament brought together some of Sri Lanka’s best university hockey talents, each team displayed remarkable skill and sportsmanship, making the tournament an exciting battle for the title. The event saw a franchise league format, including qualifiers and eliminators.
In the men’s segment, the SLIIT A, SLIIT B, KDU and CINEC hockey outfits were through to the next round.
At the qualifier 1, KDU booked their place in the final by defeating the SLIIT B side with a thumping 2 – 0 victory. Then the SLIIT A side walked into the qualifier 2 game after defeating the CINEC side. In the qualifier 2, SLIIT A managed to edge out their fellow players from the SLIIT B side with a solitary goal to seal the other spot in the final.
In the thrilling men’s final showdown, the SLIIT A side looked like a different outfit; they clinched the title by beating the strong KDU line-up with a 3 – 1 goal margin.
The women’s segment saw some equally intense battles, and finally SLIIT, KDU, NSBM and the Law College hockey outfits displayed their grit and were through to the next round.
At Qualifier 1, KDU ladies shocked the hosts with a 1 – 0 tight victory, and they walked into the final. The strong NSBM lasses dominated the eliminator game against Law College, as they were through to the Qualifier 2 game with a 2 – 0 victory. There was a thrilling contest in the Qualifier 2 game, and the hosts had the last laugh against the talented NSBM side with a 2 – 0 victory.
In the women’s final showdown, the two balanced sides from SLIIT and KDU fiercely battled against each other. As the game progressed, both sides fought tooth and nail. Further, a rock-solid defence was displayed by both sides, and until the full-time whistle, goals were dried up. Hence the game dragged to a penalty shoot-out, and the hosts held their nerve to win the title after two successful goal attempts against nil.
SLIIT 7’s Men’s edition
Qualifier 1 match SLIIT B vs KDU (KDU won 2:0)
Eliminator match CINEC vs SLIIT A (SLIIT A won 2:0)
Qualifier 2 match SLIIT A vs SLIIT B (SLIIT A won 1:0)
Finals SLIIT A vs KDU (SLIIT A won 3:1)
CHAMPIONS – SLIIT A
RUNNERS UP – KDU
2ND RUNNERS UP – SLIIT B
SLIIT 7’s women’s edition
Qualifier 1 match SLIIT vs KDU (KDU won 1:0)
Eliminator match NSBM vs Law (NSBM won 1:0)
Qualifier 2 match SLIIT vs NSBM (SLIIT won 2:0)
Finals SLIIT vs KDU ( 00 – 00 Draw, SLIIT won penalty strokes 2:0)
CHAMPIONS – SLIIT
RUNNERS UP – KDU
2ND RUNNERS UP – NSBM
Mens best goalkeeper – Harinsu Bandara – SLIIT
Men’s best player – Adrian Fernando – SLIIT
Women’s best goalkeeper – Risini Senevirathna – SLIIT
Women’s best player – Chathurya Jeewananda – KDU
