The 49th National Sports Festival 2025 brought with it a weekend of high energy, thrilling competition, and unforgettable moments on the basketball court. From August 15th to 17th, the Matara Kotawila Indoor Complex transformed into the central stage for one of the festival’s most anticipated sporting events, the Basketball Tournament. With the participation of 18 dynamic teams, 9 men’s and 9 women’s, the tournament showcased not only the athleticism of Sri Lanka’s top players but also the growing popularity and competitive spirit of basketball across the nation.
Western Province dominance in the Finals
The finals turned into a powerful display of Western Province’s basketball prowess, as they secured victories in both the men’s and women’s categories.
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Men’s Final: Western Province delivered a masterclass in teamwork and precision, overwhelming Northern Province with a decisive 101:48 win. Their fast-paced offense and relentless defense left no room for a comeback, sealing their championship title in commanding fashion.
Women’s Final: The women’s final echoed the same story of dominance. Western Province overcame Southern Province with a 57:42 victory, combining sharp shooting and disciplined strategy to clinch yet another gold medal.
The tournament wasn’t short of competitive clashes for the second runner-up titles.
In the women’s category, Central Province outshone Eastern Province with a confident 73:46 victory, showcasing a blend of speed and accuracy.
In the men’s category, Central Province once again secured third place by edging out Eastern Province in a close and hard-fought battle, ending with a 43:39 scoreline.
No tournament is complete without acknowledging the standout performers whose individual brilliance lights up the court. The Most Valuable Player (MVP) awards were presented to; Rukshan Athapaththu (Men’s Category), Melani Perera (Women’s Category).
While the scorelines and trophies highlighted the competitive spirit, the tournament was equally about camaraderie, unity, and sportsmanship. Players from all provinces came together not just to contest for medals, but also to celebrate basketball’s role in promoting teamwork and resilience.
