Sri Lanka’s promising young squash players concluded a successful campaign at the 33rd Asian Junior Individual Squash Championships, held in Panzhihua, China, from 20th to 24th May. Competing against the continent’s finest junior athletes from 16 countries across the Under-19, Under-17, Under-15, and Under-13 age categories, the Sri Lankan contingent delivered several outstanding performances and gained valuable international experience.
Leading the nation’s achievements were a number of impressive Plate Division results. In the Girls’ Under-19 category, Nethmi Wickramasinghe emerged as the Plate Champion. In the Boys’ Under-19 event, Tharul Pinwatta secured the Plate Runner-up position.
Sri Lanka also celebrated success in the Under-17 categories. Manuth Dassanayake claimed the Boys’ Under-17 Plate Championship, while Thedara Liyanage finished as the Girls’ Under-17 Plate Runner-up.
Further success came in the Under-15 division, where Chanumi Thebuwena won the Girls’ Under-15 Plate title. Nevan Rubasinghe added another podium finish for Sri Lanka by becoming the Boys’ Under-15 Plate Runner-up.
Several Sri Lankan players also recorded notable performances against strong Asian competition. Sithumli Mendis produced one of the best performances for the team, finishing 11th in the Girls’ Under-17 category. Meanwhile, Sayuri De Silva finished 13th in the Girls’ Under-13 category, demonstrating the bright future of Sri Lankan junior squash. In the Girls’ Under-15 division, Methuki Herath, Navya Ganegoda, and Dinithma Mihely also performed strongly in the Super Plate round, securing commendable positions and showcasing Sri Lanka’s growing depth of talent at the junior level.
Beyond the players, Sri Lanka was proudly represented among the tournament officials. World Squash Officiating (WSO) referees Sasindu Thrimavithana and Priyantha Ishara served on the international refereeing panel, reflecting the growing recognition of Sri Lankan officials on the Asian stage.
The team was supported by a highly qualified coaching staff comprising World Squash Federation-certified coaches Chaminda Thalagala, Mahesh Chandana, Thushara Wasantha Kumara, and Ashan De Silva, who provided technical expertise and guidance throughout the championship.
The administrative delegation was led by Team Managers Wing Commander Sanjeewa Nanayakkara, Assistant Secretary of Sri Lanka Squash, and Wing Commander Lahiru Abeyrathne, Tournament Director of Sri Lanka Squash. Their leadership and support played a significant role in ensuring the smooth participation of the Sri Lankan contingent throughout the championship.
The performances in Panzhihua highlighted the steady progress of Sri Lankan junior squash and underlined the country’s growing presence in Asian competition. With several players achieving podium finishes and others recording strong placements against Asia’s elite, the future of Sri Lankan squash continues to look increasingly promising.
Sri Lanka Squash now looks ahead to further international opportunities and its long-term vision of strengthening the nation’s standing in Asian squash, with aspirations of hosting major continental events in the years to come.
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