The Royal College Pool was buzzing with excitement on the 8th of February 2025. The papare bands were playing, the DJ was belting out tunes, the stalls outside were packed and the crowd were on their feet, making for an unforgettable day out at Reid Avenue. Apart from the several matches being played ranging from the u9s all the way to the u17s, there were two back to back nail-biting finales in the eagerly anticipated RCUAC Challenge Shield Water polo Tournament.

The tournament organized by the Royal College Union Aquatic Club (RCUAC) is synonymous with providing opportunity to uncover young talent and has kept pushing boundaries to emphasize the “Love of the Game”.

The boys U17 final was a close encounter between arch rivals St. Thomas’ College and Royal College even going into overtime. Ultimately it was Royal College who emerged champions with the final goal count being 12 goals to 11. It certainly indicates that the Thomian outfit this year is one to be contended with due to the efforts of Michael Goonaratne and Dinuk Wickramasighe.  They have clearly marked their intentions of putting Royal College to the sword come the all important Dr. R.L. Hayman Trophy later in the year.

The Girls U17 final played between Ladies’ College and Vishaka Vidyalaya had all spectators and players at the edge of their seats throughout the 4 quarters, only to be decided in the last quarter by a 2 goal difference in favor of Ladies’ College. The two Water polo power houses were in full swing throughout the day showing plenty of skill in the pool.

Ramiru Aluthge of Royal College and Anya Dias of Ladies’ College were recognized as best performers in their age category in the finals.

RESULTS – Champions

Boys U9 – Royal College
Boys U11- Royal College
Boys U13 – S. Thomas’ College
Boys U15 – Royal College
Boys U17 – Royal College

Girls U9 – Visakha Vidyalaya
Girls U11- Ladies College
Girls U13 – Bishops College
Girls U15 – Bishops College
Girls U17 – Ladies College

The Mighty Mini Club and the Royal Enfield Club had cars and bikes on display during the day making it an exciting experience center just outside the pool premises. The hairstyling truck provided by Unilever was a hit with all the girls school teams as they made their way straight to it for hair care and styling options with Sunsilk after a full day in the pool and sun.

Sri Lanka Water polo has seen a huge improvement in numbers with this tournament bringing in 450+ athletes represented in 34 teams. The tournament format is designed to give opportunity to all teams and for the best 2 teams to enter into a final under a full capacity crowd creating that big match feeling for every player, coach, parent and spectator at the venue.

The tournament director Mr Ulfath Uwais has made significant strides to this fledging tournament which started in 2022 after taking over from Mr Shan Lakshitha, making it the best in Sri Lanka. The Under 9 awards were presented by Sri Lanka’s talented Bathiya and Santhush. Their presence no doubt inspired many more teams in the future to compete for the top junior accolades in Water polo. Sri Lanka Swimming Olympians, Matthew and Kyle Abeysinghe were on hand to present under 11 awards. The swimming stars made quite an impact in bringing the aquatic family together at the RCUAC Challenge Shield.

This year’s tournament was conducted under a social theme and partnered with the Rotaract Club Colombo Uptown (RCCU) to bring awareness to their project “Spectra” to support Down Syndrome and Autism. This is in aid to establish a cognitive Wellness Centre at the UFCM tower, Faculty of Medicine, University of Colombo. The RCUAC was happy to work with RCCU on their efforts to create a better Sri Lanka.

The sponsors supporting the event were Norfolk Foods, Royal College Batch of 2003, John Keels Office Automation, Fonterra, LOLC Finance, Hemas, Jetwing Hotels, George Stewart, Baraka, SLIC, Unilever, Bubbleatte, Red FM, Quadrangle, thepapare, MURC Live, Royal College Photographic Society, Royal College Doctor Association (RCDA) and Chocolatte. Special thank you to the LEO Club of Royal College for all their efforts in making this a successful tournament.