IIT emerge victorious at Fastbreak 2016 basketball tournament

The basketball team of the Informatics Institute of Technology (IIT) emerged victorious at the IIT Fastbreak 2016 tournament held at the HSC Blues basketball court in Colombo recently. 

Under the University category, IIT clinched victory by defeating ANC 14-11 in an extremely closely-fought game. 

IIT players Thushan Perera scored six points, Ashan Kaveesha scored five and Pramod Chanaka scored three points which contributed to their victory. 

The captain of the IIT team Minul Wimalagunaratne said that he was delighted with his team’s performance and was looking forward to several more basketball victories this season.

“The IIT team is in top form and we have proven that we are able to win against some of the most formidable basketball teams. I would like to thank IIT and our coach for the support and guidance which helped us to develop into a victorious team,” he said

IIT managed to defeat APIIT by 14-3 in the quarterfinals and ACBT 12-6 before moving on to face ANC in the finals.

IIT Fastbreak 2016 was a 3x3 basketball tournament which was officiated by the Sri Lanka Basketball Federation. The teams that participated under the University category were IIT, SLIIT, ANC, APIIT, RIC and NSB. 

Group Sports and Wellness Consultant for IIT Chinthaka De Silva said that he plans to work towards further developing the IIT basketball team and maintaining the position of a champion team. 

“By providing the expertise and best facilities at IIT, we are creating opportunities for young sports participants to enjoy competitive sport in a safe environment. The objective is to ensure that basketball maintains its unique character both on and off the field. Discipline and commitment are key factors to maintain the position of a champion team,” De Silva said. “I am a big believer that participating in organised sports and specially team sports can teach values and life lessons that students can use in their younger years and beyond. Coaches and parents are key influences when it comes to sports and being part of a sports team helps character-building. They need discipline while participating in the sports themselves to maximise their chances of success. It is because of dedicated hard work and discipline that enabled the IIT team to win this basketball championship,” he said. 

The IIT Fastbreak 2016 tournament was sponsored by Prima Kottumee, Red bull, shopmaster.lk and Sun FM.