Gateway’s Jaanya honoured as Best Junior Girl’s Sculler at Rowing Nationals
View(s):Gateway College’s Jaanya Kumarawadu was honoured as the Best Junior Girls Sculler in the school category at the 40th National Rowing Championship held last weekend at the Diyawanna Rowing Centre. This year’s championship marked a historic milestone in the annals of national rowing, drawing the finest talent from across the country.
A highlight of the championship was Jaanya Kumarawadu of Gateway College being honoured as the Best Junior Girls Sculler in the school category, a testament to her outstanding consistency and dedication to the sport. Gateway College’s athletes delivered an exceptional performance, showcasing skill, determination, and teamwork that brought home an impressive collection of medals.
Gateway's rowing crew
Jaanya Kumarawadu
Gateway celebrated multiple first-place finishes. Jaanya dominated the Girls’ events, clinching gold in both the Single Scull event and the Under-17 Girls Single Scull. In the Boys’ category, Ganindu Kirinde and Nathon Gregory powered their way to win the gold medal in the Under-17 Boys’ Double Scull. The MIM Quadruple Scull team, comprising Chareen Jayakody, Shenith Pathirana, Manuga Wijesinghe, and Reshil Peiris, also secured a well-deserved gold, further reinforcing Gateway’s dominance on the water.
Gateway’s silver medal achievements were equally commendable. Ganindu Kirinde added to his medal tally with a strong second-place finish in the Under-17 Boy’s Single Scull. Jaanya also won silver in the Under-19 Girl’s Single Scull, displaying versatility and endurance across categories. The Under-15 Girls’ Quadruple Scull team, comprising Seth Ranatunga, Shehaya Pathirana, Devasha Edirisinghe, Siyara Rajakaruna, and Akithya de Costa, earned a silver medal for their synchronised effort and determination.
Gateway’s younger rowers also made their mark with bronze medal performances. Siyara Rajakaruna secured bronze in the Under-15 Girl’s Single Scull and teamed up with Shehaya Pathirana to win another bronze in the Under–15 Girls’ Coxed Quadruple Scull team event. These results highlight the emerging talent within the school’s rowing programme. Gateway’s success at the 40th National Rowing Championship is a reflection of the school’s commitment to nurturing rowing talent and building a strong sporting culture.