Matheesha crowned triple champion at Ritzbury 35th Junior National Squash Championship

Matheesha Wijesekara, a talented young squash player from Royal College, has made headlines by becoming the Under-17 and Under-19 champion at the 35th Junior National Squash Championship. This impressive achievement also earned him the title of Junior National Player of the Year. The championship, organized by the Sri Lanka Squash Federation, took place at the Air Force Squash Complex, where Matheesha became a triple champion.

Matheesha’s journey in squash began at a young age. Today, he serves as the Vice Captain of the Royal College squash team for 2024 and has already established himself as a significant figure in the sport. In 2021, he was recognized as the “Most Promising Player of the Year,” a testament to his talent and hard work. As a second-year coloursman at Royal College, Matheesha’s dedication to squash has not gone unnoticed.

His achievements have not only brought pride to his school but also to his family. In 2024, he was awarded the prestigious “Maalyn Dias Scholarship” for the Most Outstanding Emerging Sportsman of the Year, recognizing his exceptional performances in both squash and hockey. This award was presented at the college’s colours awarding ceremony, reflecting the high regard in which Matheesha is held.

On the international field, Matheesha has represented Sri Lanka in several tournaments. He participated in the Asian Junior Individual Championships held in Macau, Thailand, Dalian (China), and Pakistan for four consecutive years, consistently securing notable positions. Additionally, he has taken part in numerous Asian Junior Super Series Squash tournaments, further establishing his reputation as a rising star in the sport.

Looking ahead, Matheesha is ready to compete in the Doha Junior Open Squash Championship from October 19 to 21, 2024, in Qatar. He will also participate in two other Asian Junior Super Series events in Malaysia and Singapore in December 2024. However, despite his successes, Matheesha and his family are currently facing a challenge. His parents have been funding all his previous tournaments but are now finding it increasingly difficult to continue, especially with the financial demands of their elder son’s higher education.

“We have been personally funding all his previous tournaments,” Matheesha’s parents said. “But now, we find it a bit difficult to continue with our elder one’s higher education requirements.”

As Matheesha begins on this exciting journey, he is in need of sponsorship for his upcoming foreign tournaments. Support from sponsors could make a significant difference in helping him pursue his passion and achieve his goals on the international field.

Source:Daily News