Gateway Colombo crowned Under-17 cager champions
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(Second row from left): Nethsara Perera, Thinura Dissanayake, Jonathan Herath, Areeb Fareen, Shanilka Rodrigo, Dhanuka Wijegooneratne (First row from left): Adeesa Liyanage, Ashain Theverapperuma, Julan Senmitha, Navidu Waduwavala, Samuel Tsung, Akain Vitanaachchy, Vihas Ranawake, Taresh Samarasinghe (Front row from left): Fawzan Tariq (Co-ordinator), Vinita Shenoy (Principal), Dr. Harsha Alles (Chairman), Dulain Thevarapperuma (Captain), Tharindu Fernando (Head Coach)
Gateway College, Colombo stamped their dominance in the school basketball arena by emerging champions at the International Schools Under-17 Basketball Tournament 2025, organised by Colombo International School. In a remarkable achievement, this victory marks the fifth consecutive time that the Gateway College lads clinched this prestigious trophy, underlining their sustained excellence, discipline, and depth of talent.
Gateway delivered a flawless campaign, displaying tactical maturity, defensive resilience, and attacking flair from the group stages right through to the final. In the group matches, Gateway set the tone early with emphatic victories. A dominant 65-27 win against Gateway College, Kandy and a convincing 62-24 triumph over British School in Colombo.
Carrying this momentum into the knockout stages, Gateway Colombo continued their relentless form. In the quarter-finals, they outplayed Horizon College International with a solid 50-25 victory, followed by an impressive 75-40 win against Elizabeth Moir School in the semi-finals. In the high intensity final, played at the Olympus Indoor Stadium, Malabe, Gateway Colombo faced hosts Colombo International School, and showcased their pedigree, securing a well-earned 79-64 victory to lift the title once again.
Gateway Colombo’s success was further highlighted by outstanding individual performances with Dulain Theverapperuma winning the Best Defensive Player award displaying his defensive awareness and consistency throughout the tournament. Navidu Waduwavala was recognised as the Most Valuable Player for his all-round excellence, leadership on court, and ability to influence crucial moments.