Gateway dominates the court: wins both Boys’ and Girls’ Basketball Championships
View(s):Gateway College, Colombo achieved an extraordinary double triumph by winning both the Boys’ and Girls’ Championships at the Inter-International Schools Under-19 Basketball Tournament 2025. The week-long tournament, which brought together the top international schools in Sri Lanka, was a thrilling showcase of talent, teamwork, and sportsmanship.
In the Boys’ Tournament, 13 leading schools battled for the coveted title — including Gateway Colleges of Colombo and Kandy, Lyceum International Schools of Nugegoda, Panadura and Wattala, Stafford International School, Horizon College International, Royal Institute, Wycherley International School, Elizabeth Moir School, Colombo International Schools of Colombo and Kandy, and Asian International School.
From the opening whistle, Gateway Colombo displayed unmatched consistency and composure, remaining unbeaten throughout the competition. Their journey to the championship was defined by dominant victories, strategic brilliance, and collective discipline. In the quarter-final Gateway defeated Colombo International School, Kandy 50-13 and followed their form in the semi-final where they overcame Elizabeth Moir School 59-43
In the final, Gateway clinched the title with a commanding 62-48 win over Asian International School with seamless coordination and tactical mastery on court, reflecting the making of true champions, elevating Gateway as the undisputed powerhouse of the tournament.
Two Gateway cagers snatched two of the three special awards on offer with Navindu Waduwawela emerging as the Most Valuable Player, and Anujitha Samarasundara being recognised as the Best Offensive Player. Methun Wijendra of Asian International School won the award for the Best Defensive Player.
The victorious Gateway Colombo Boys’ team consisted of Marlon Peter as captain, Dulain Theverapperuma, Navindu Waduwawela, Anujitha Samarasundara, Vihas Ranawaka, Tevan Sela, Jithein Kulatunga, Jehan Ranawake, Samuel Tsung, Dhanuka Wijegoonaratne, Nethun Mandilu, Jonathan Herath, Julan Senmitha, Ashain Theverapperuma, and Sankitha Navaratne.
The Girls’ Championship was equally competitive, featuring 10 prominent teams — Gateway College Colombo, Lyceum International Schools of Panadura, Wattala and Nugegoda, Horizon College International, Wycherley International School Colombo, Elizabeth Moir School, Colombo International Schools of Colombo and Kandy, and Asian International School.
Led by Sanuki Madapatha, Gateway’s girls’ team demonstrated resilience, precision, and unity throughout the tournament. After a hard-fought 61-57 win over Lyceum International, Nugegoda in the semi-finals, they edged past Colombo International School, Colombo by 48-44 in a nail-biting final to secure the championship, completing a historic double victory for Gateway.
In the Girls’ Championship too, Gateway lasses matched up with their male counterparts to claim two of the three special awards on offer. Yohali Balasuriya became the Most Valuable Player for her epic style of play, while Sanuki Madapatha proved her worth, becoming the Best Defensive Player, making Gateway Colombo proud. Tinara Perera of Colombo International School grabbed the award for the Best Offensive Player.
The Gateway Colombo Girls’ team included Sanuki Madapatha as captain, Dulansa Thilakaratne, Yohali Balasuriya, Jaylyyj de Zilwa, Nichol Fernando, Maleena Premathilake, Vineja Wijekoon, Suhana Amit, Imalki Perera, Savannah Daniel, Ara Riza, Aleeza Morseth, Raneen Nazih, and Mayumi Liyanage.
This memorable double triumph was made even more special as it was the first tournament played on Gateway Colombo’s newly opened Olympic-grade basketball courts. Built to FIBA-approved standards, the courts feature a shock-absorbent, rubberised surface with an advanced air-cushion system that enhances player safety and elevates the quality of play to international standards.