Visakha Vidyalaya reigns supreme at 2026 Indoor Rowing Championships
View(s):Visakha Vidyalaya stamped their authority on the national rowing arena with a dominant showing at the 2026 Indoor Rowing Championships, emerging as overall champions in both the Junior Girls’ Overall and Senior Women’s Overall categories, alongside Sri Lanka Army. The championship concluded with Visakha recording an outstanding medals tally of six gold, six silver, and a bronze, further cementing the school’s reputation as a powerhouse in Sri Lankan rowing.
The competition saw several exceptional individual performances, most notably from Sethini Ranawaka, who delivered a sensational display by securing four gold medals at just 13-years-of-age. Her achievement stood out not only for the number of victories but also for the maturity and composure she displayed against more experienced competitors. Imandi Mahawatte was another key contributor to Visakha’s success, claiming three gold medals through a series of commanding performances that showcased strength, consistency, and technical excellence.
This latest triumph marks the third consecutive year that Visakha Vidyalaya has secured the overall title at the Indoor Rowing Championships — a rare and remarkable achievement that reflects the depth, discipline, and continuity within the programme. Only few school teams have managed to maintain such a high standard over multiple years, making this accomplishment all the more significant.
Adding further weight to this victory is the historic leadership record under the captaincy of Anusara Akmeemana and vice-captaincy of Thisali Welage. Under their guidance, Visakha Vidyalaya previously captured both the Junior Girls’ Overall and Intermediate Women’s Overall titles at the 2025 Outdoor National Championships. The 2026 Indoor Nationals victory now completes an extraordinary sequence of successes across both indoor and outdoor national competitions — a record-breaking feat in school rowing.
Behind this sustained excellence lies the tireless dedication of the coaching staff. Visakha Vidyalaya extends heartfelt appreciation to Nirmal Gunarathne, Asitha Shiran, and Supuni Lakshani for their expert guidance, commitment, and unwavering belief in the athletes. Their structured training programs and mentorship have played a pivotal role in shaping both performance and character.
The crew also acknowledges the continuous support provided by Visakha Vidyalaya, whose encouragement and investment in sports have enabled young athletes to thrive at the highest level.
With yet another landmark achievement added to its legacy, Visakha Vidyalaya continues to set the benchmark for excellence in Sri Lankan school rowing, inspiring the next generation to pursue greatness both on and off the erg.
| Brief results | |
|