40th National Squash Championship: Fathoum and Laksiri stamp their class

Men's and Women's Open Winners and Runners - up 

By Shamseer Jaleel

The 40th National Squash Championships conducted by Sri Lanka Squash took place at the SSC Squash courts recently. Strict health guidelines were followed by the organisers with over 90 participating in this annual event.

This tournament was the first National ranking tournament to be conducted amid the COVID pandemic situation and also the first tournament to be conducted by the Sri Lanka Squash Executive Committee appointed in 2020 September.

The Men’s Open Final saw Reigning National Champion and seven-time National title holder Ravindu Laksiri taking on the bottom seed Shamil Wakeel. Ravindu with his experience beat Wakeel to win the tile meanwhile for a record eighth time. Ravindu was in sparkling form and gave a tough time to his opponent Wakeel. The eight-time champion beat in a straight three setter. 

The Women’s Open Final saw reigning National Champion and former Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya student Fathoum Issadeen taking on current junior top player Chanithma Sinaly. Fathoum with her class beat Chinthima in the final event, retaining her title for the second time. 

The battle went into a five setter after Fathoum won the first two but the hardworking Chanithma came back strongly to win the next two sets to take it to the fifth set. But Fathoum brushed aside her opponent in the fifth setter to win the title for the second time.

Ministry of Sports Director General – Sports Development Department Amal Edirisooriya was Chief Guest.

Women’s Open

Fathoum Issadeen beat Chanithma Sinaly: 3-2 (11/3, 11/4, 2/11, 6/11, 11/3)

Men’s Open

Ravindu Laksiri beat Shameel Wakeel: 3-0 (11/6, 11/3, 11/2)

Men's and Women's Open Winners