Three Consecutive Championships for Gateway’s Under-14 Netballers

Seated: (L to R) Ayuni Karunaratne, Snehi Liyanage, Chiyara Wanigarathne, Shanelle Decarne
Standing: (L to R) Samuddhi Abeygunawardena (Coach), Jayanthi Somasekaram de Silva(Head of Sports & Senior Coach), Liana Gray, Cheneli Jayaweera, Kanishkaa Sanjais, Kuendi Orla Wijethunga, Kenuli Bandara, Griyada Hapukotuwa, Helini Perera, Minuli Upasena, Vinita Shenoy (Principal), Thilaka Jinadasa (Team Leader, Sports Development) and Madhubashi Wijeratne (Teacher-in-charge)

The Under-14 netball team of Gateway College was crowned champions for the third consecutive year at the Inter-International Schools’ Under-14 Netball Tournament, held on 16 May 2026 at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium. Organised by Asian International School, the tournament drew 15 leading international schools and provided a fiercely competitive platform for some of the country’s most talented young netballers.

As defending champions, Gateway College Colombo were placed in Group A alongside CIS Kandy and Leeds International School. They made an emphatic start to proceedings, recording commanding victories of 14–1 and 17–0 respectively to advance to the knockout stage with considerable ease.

2026 TISSL Netball Special Award winners – Kanishkaa Sanjais, GriyadaHapukotuwa and Kuendi Orla Wijethunga

The contest grew sharper from the quarterfinals onward. Gateway faced Lyceum International School, Nugegoda, and continued their dominant form with a composed 12–4 win. Meanwhile, attention shifted to the all-important quarterfinal between Lyceum International School, Wattala, and the British School in Colombo (BSC), the winner of which would meet Gateway in the last four. It proved to be an absorbing contest, with BSC ultimately prevailing through a combination of incisive long passes and clinical finishing.

Armed with thorough preparation and tactical insight from Gateway College’s experienced coaching staff, the team entered the semifinal with clear purpose. They proceeded to deliver one of the tournament’s standout performances, dismantling BSC 10–3 in a display of cohesion and composure to book their place in the final.

The championship match pitted Gateway against Stafford International School. Demonstrating maturity well beyond their years, the Gateway girls combined discipline, teamwork, and precision to secure a 9–4 victory, retaining their title and completing a remarkable hat-trick of championships.

Captain Griyada Hapukotuwa marshalled her side with distinction throughout the tournament and was deservedly honoured as “Netball Queen.” Kuendi Wijethunga claimed the “Best Shooter” award for her clinical performances in front of goal, while Kanishkaa Sanjais was recognised as the tournament’s “Best Defensive Player” for her tenacious and consistent displays.

Vice-Captain Kenuli Bandara was outstanding at Goal Keeper, and Snehi Liyanage, Helini Perera, and Liana Gray each made telling contributions in their respective positions. Equally integral to the team’s success were Chiyara Wanigarathne, Cheneli Jayaweera, Minuli Upasena, Shanelle Decarne, and Ayuni Karunaratne, whose collective commitment and energy proved instrumental in securing Gateway’s third consecutive title.

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