S. Thomas’ regain Novices Swimming Crown after three years

S. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia, emerged overall champions at the 17th Sri Lanka Schools’ Age Group Novices Swimming Championship, reclaiming the title after three years at the four-day meet held at the Sugathadasa Stadium Swimming Pool Complex in Colombo.

The championship, organized by the Sri Lanka Schools Aquatic Sports Association, saw the Thomians put on a dominant display, securing back-to-back titles following their victory at the Sri Lanka Aquatic Sports Union (SLASU) Novices Championship earlier this year.

Led by captain Abhiru Galabada and vice-captain S.I. Nawaz, the 51-member Thomian squad outperformed 68 boys’ schools across the country, amassing 86 points. De Mazenod College, Kandana, finished second with 66 points, while Prince of Wales College, Moratuwa, claimed third place with 61 points.

Royal College, Colombo, with 59 points, and Thurstan College, with 56, rounded off the top five in a highly competitive event. Royal College also fielded the highest number of swimmers, with 81 participants.

S. Thomas’ College swimmers put up an exceptional performance Arith Salgado, with his powerful strokes, led the charge in both individual and relay events, earning crucial points for his team. Lithum Kannangara impressed with his smooth technique in the butterfly and backstroke,

securing podium finishes in several races. Thenuka Alagiyawanna and Michael Gunawardena were key players, delivering strong results in their respective events, contributing significantly to the team’s success.

The depth of talent within the team was evident as A.S.M. Roomy and N.M. Dabare delivered consistent performances in the freestyle and breaststroke categories, pushing their rivals to the limit. G. Nihilash displayed excellent endurance and technique, while L.A.K.R. Perera’s fast turns in the relay events were crucial in securing vital points. Navinu Sellahewa’s strong finishes in both the 100m and 200m events, along with Mishenka Dissanayake’s standout performances, further cemented S. Thomas’ College’s position at the top. Their collective efforts ensured that the novice swimmers claimed the overall championship with a dominant, all-around display.

S. Thomas’ last won this championship three years ago under the guidance of legendary coach Ghefari Dulapandan. This time, the team triumphed under head coach Thejaka de Silva, with support from assistant coaches Shamod Edirisinghe, Prabath Madusanka, and Devinga Sulakshana, alongside Master-in-Charge Chaminda Balachandra.

‘This win means a lot to us because we have been working towards it for years. The boys showed incredible dedication, and their efforts paid off in the pool. Winning back-to-back novices titles proves that S. Thomas’ swimming is on the rise, and we are building a strong foundation for the future,’ de Silva said.”

 Source:Daily News