Soldiers are first handball champions in Sri Lanka

By T.B. Rahaman

Army emerged as the first champions at the Handball National Championship when they beat Air Force by 31 goals to 25 in the final at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium yesterday.

Ten men’s teams and four women’s teams participated and the women’s crown went to the Air Force women’s team who beat Navy 13 goals to five to lead in a round robin format.

The men’s final saw in interesting battle with both teams producing a grand brand of handball, a game that is new to Sri Lanka. The players were hardened and defended their goal mouth with solid defence where players often got very physical.

This demonstrates how advanced the Sri Lankan players are in this game already.

The Handball Federation of Sri Lanka will now be looking forward to promote the game to be played on the beaches as well.

The Army started scoring in the first minute through a penalty and thereafter managed to maintain the lead throughout the game.

Airmen took time to settle down and scored their first goal after Army had scored five goals.

Army scored most of their goals through Ishara Udyanga, Ruwan Priyadharsana, Pahan Madusanka and Namal Ratnayake.

Air Force scored their goals through Amarasinghe, Perera, S. Kumara and Madushan.

Army led 17/13 at half time.

Navy took third place when they defeated Prisons 17/6.