Saturday Nov 16, 2024
Friday, 16 August 2024 00:08 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
The Sri Lanka Sports Fiesta 2024, a landmark event poised to reshape the nation’s sporting landscape, is set to kick off today, in Colombo.
Organised by the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs in collaboration with the Tourism Ministry, this three-day extravaganza is the largest national sports event held in Sri Lanka and the first of its kind in South Asia. Powered by Dialog Axiata PLC, Sri Lanka’s #1 connectivity provider and prolific promoter of sports, the event promises an unforgettable experience for athletes and spectators alike, concluding on 18 August.
The fiesta is more than just a sports event; it celebrates athleticism, teamwork, and national pride. Over 3,000 athletes will compete across seven major team sports — cricket, rugby, football, volleyball, netball, hockey, and basketball — showcasing the country’s top talent. This unique event provides a platform for athletes to display their skills, compete at the highest level, and inspire the next generation of sports enthusiasts.
Dialog President’s Gold Cup Volleyball 2024
The finals of the Dialog President’s Gold Cup Volleyball Tournament will take place as part of the Sri Lanka Sports Fiesta 2024 at the Air Force indoor stadium in Colombo 7. On 16 August, the top four finalists — both men’s and women’s teams — will vie for top honours. In addition to the main awards for the winners and runners-up, accolades will be presented to the best player, attacker, blocker, setter, server, and passer. The matches will commence at 1 p.m.
Sports Fiesta T10 Cricket Tournament 2024
The T10 Cricket Tournament will feature five teams at Thurstan College and Bloomfield grounds. Sri Lanka’s national white-ball captain Charith Asalanka will lead Colombo, while Bhanuka Rajapaksa, Dunith Wellalage, Niroshan Dickwella, and Janith Liyanage will captain Dambulla, Galle, Kandy, and Jaffna, respectively. Matches will be held on 16 and 17 August at Thurstan College, and on 17 and 18 August at Bloomfield, with the finals scheduled for 2:40 p.m. on 18 August.
Air Force Commander’s Cup Rugby Tournament 2024
The Air Force Commander’s Cup Rugby Tournament 2024 will feature men’s, women’s, and Under-16 boys’ and girls’ teams, played across all three days at Race Course International Stadium. The men’s tournament will see 12 clubs, divided into Divisions A and B, competing for the Cup, Shield, and Bowl trophies. Four teams will participate in the women’s tournament, and 14 schools will compete in the Under-16 category. League matches are scheduled for 16 and 17 August, with the finals on 18 August.
Sports Fiesta President Gold Cup Hockey Tournament 2024
The President Gold Cup Hockey Tournament 2024 will take place at the Astro Turf in Colombo 7, with 17 teams in the senior men’s category and 16 teams in the women’s senior category. An Under-20 tournament for boys and girls, featuring 16 teams, will also be held. Matches, played on a knockout basis, will begin at 8:30 a.m., with the finals scheduled for 2:30 p.m. on 18 August.
Sports Fiesta 3x3 Basketball Championships 2024
The 3x3 Basketball Championships 2024 will be held at the Sri Lanka Basketball Association’s 3x3 Court in Colombo 7, featuring 24 men’s and 10 women’s teams. The finals will take place on 18 August.
Sports Fiesta Mini Football Tournament 2024
The Mini Football Tournament 2024 will be held at the Race Course ground in Colombo, with 12 senior and six junior teams competing. Each team will consist of five players, with matches played under lights. The finals will kick off at 5:30 p.m. on 18 August.
Sports Fiesta Youth Netball Championships 2024
20 teams will compete in the Youth Netball Championships 2024 at Torrington ground, with matches played on a league basis. The finals are scheduled for 3 p.m. on 18 August.
The organisers have meticulously planned every detail to ensure the event’s grand success. From carefully crafted match schedules to world-class facilities, every aspect is designed to foster competition and camaraderie. Spectators can look forward to thrilling matches, with each sport offering its own unique excitement and drama. With free admission to all events, the fiesta is expected to draw large crowds eager to witness history in the making.
The venues will be alive with activity, offering a wide range of entertainment options for visitors of all ages. Adding to the festive atmosphere, nightly music concerts will showcase some of Sri Lanka’s most popular artists, providing the perfect opportunity for attendees to unwind after a day of exhilarating sports.
As the principal sponsor, Dialog Axiata has ensured that the excitement of the Sri Lanka Sports Fiesta 2024 reaches every corner of the country. The tournament will be broadcast live on Dialog Television via ThePapare TV (channel 63), ThePapare TV HD (channel 126), Dialog ViU, and ThePapare.com, allowing viewers across Sri Lanka to be part of the action. Dialog Television and ThePapare serve as the Official Broadcasting and Digital Media Partners, ensuring comprehensive coverage of this historic event.