Musaeus College and Ananda College provided outstanding performances to clinch double championships at the lately concluded SLTA-YETI All Island Schools Arjan Perera Memorial Tennis Tournament, which decided at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association courts in Greenpath, marking a historic achievement for both schools.
Musaeus College, under the captaincy of Inuki Jayaweera, demanded the Arjan Perera Memorial Trophy for the first time in the school’s history. Rival with a team of 43 players across four age groups—Under-12, Under-14, Under-16, and Under-18—the girls of Musaeus College highlighted their diligence and capability.
Despite facing tough competition, Musaeus College arose as runners-up in the Under-12 and Under-16 age groups. They also reached the semi-finals in the Under-14 and Under-18 categories. In a exciting final match against Newstead College, Musaeus College narrowly missed the title in the Under-16 age group, securing the runner-up position.
“We have a good grassroots tennis programme at Musaeus College, including red ball, orange ball, and pink ball stages,” said Musaeus College tennis coach Ganendran Subramaniam, who has been exercise the team for the past 10 years. His devotion has played a crucial role in the school’s tennis success.
Ananda College also attained double championships in the boys’ category, charming the Overall Championship and the Best Boys Tennis Playing School title for the second successive year. Led by Ransath Peiris, the team displayed remarkable consistency.
Ananda College over as runners-up in the Division I Under-12, Under-14, and Under-18 age groups, while attainment the semi-finals in the Under-16 category. Additionally, in Division II, they claimed championships in the Under-16 and Under-18 categories. The team, containing of 68 players, is coached by Tharindu Perera, who has served as the head coach for 19 years, with assistance from coaches Harendra Dodanwala and Buddhima Perera.
“Since Ananda College doesn’t have judges at school, our players practice at outside courts funded by their parents,” said head coach Tharindu Perera. This devotion and support have been vital in maintaining the team’s high performance.