CR & FC committed to women’s rugby and hockey in big way

Monday, 24 March 2025 01:59 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

By Shamseer Jaleel

CR & FC has long been a pioneer in Sri Lanka’s rugby scene, but their dedication to women’s sports, particularly hockey and rugby, deserves special recognition. With a strong focus on empowering female athletes, CR & FC has played a crucial role in fostering talent, providing resources, and uplifting women’s participation in sports.

The CR & FC women’s hockey team made an impressive mark in the 2024 Colombo Hockey League, emerging as runners-up in a fiercely competitive tournament. Their dedication and hard work have set a high standard for women’s hockey in Sri Lanka. Several players have gained national recognition, proving CR & FC’s role as a breeding ground for elite athletes: Thissereni Madarasinghe represented the Sri Lanka Under-21 Team at the Junior Asia Cup in Oman, showing her talent on the international stage. Natalie Sirimanne, Thissereni Madarasinghe, and Chamodhi Gunawardana have been selected for the Sri Lanka 30-member squad, highlighting the club’s impact at the highest levels of the sport.

Further, the Red Shirts’ influence extends to the Women’s Masters World Cup, where Kawshalya Karunanayake and Mudhitha Ratnayake represented Sri Lanka for the Allianz team, proving that the club nurtures talent across all age groups.

The Red Shirts’ dedication to fostering top-tier talent is evident in its strong representation within the national squad in rugby football: Kaanchana Kumari Mahendran (Captain) – national player, Gnei Shafra Waffo, Ruwanthi Tharushika, Haskins Anuththara Samarawickrama (all national squad members), Dilani Polhewage and Idusha Janani Perera (both national players).

CR & FC President Tikiri Ellepola and his committee, understanding the challenges faced by female athletes, have stepped up by providing essential support such as accommodation for outstation players, nutritious meals after training, and travel allowances to ease financial burdens. These initiatives ensure that players can focus entirely on their development without external pressures affecting their performance.

The Red Shirts’ unwavering commitment to women’s hockey and rugby is a testament to their belief in equality and athletic excellence. As they continue to develop national and international-level players, their legacy in women’s sports is set to grow even further. Through structured training, financial support, and a strong team culture, CR & FC is not just shaping athletes but also empowering women to break barriers in Sri Lankan sports.

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