Sri Lanka national rugby sevens team and Sri Lanka women’s national rugby sevens team returned to the island today after creating history at the inaugural Central Asia and South Asia Rugby Sevens Championship held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
Sri Lanka completed a remarkable “double championship” by winning both the men’s and women’s titles while remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament.
In the highly anticipated men’s final, the Sri Lankan side dominated rivals India from start to finish, cruising to a commanding 31-10 victory to claim the first-ever CASA 7s men’s crown.
The women’s team also delivered a sensational performance in the final against Kazakhstan, securing a flawless 27-0 victory without conceding a single point to lift the women’s championship trophy.
The men’s squad was captained by Srinath Sooriyabandara with Janidu Dilshan serving as vice-captain. Players including Chathura Soysa, Akash Madushanka, Kavindu Perera and Kavindu de Costa played key roles in the title-winning campaign.
The women’s team was led brilliantly by captain Charani Liyanage alongside vice-captain Sanjeewani Wijethilaka. Standout performers included Hekashani Krishnakumari, Dilini Kanchana and Kavisha Ishani Perera.
A special welcome ceremony was organized at the VIP terminal of Bandaranaike International Airport to honour the victorious teams. Officials from Sri Lanka Rugby, members of the armed forces, family members, supporters and rugby fans gathered to celebrate the nation’s newest rugby champions.