Colombo Hockey Association Brings Down Curtains on 2025 League and Knockout Tournaments
The Colombo Hockey Association (CHA) concluded its 2025 League and Knockout tournaments in grand style, marking yet another milestone in the nation’s hockey calendar. Over the course of two and a half months, nearly 110 matches were contested across four competitive categories: Men’s A Division, Men’s B Division, Men’s C Division, and the Women’s Division.
Each division featured both League and Knockout formats, keeping players and fans engaged in a tightly packed schedule of matches that highlighted the depth of talent in Sri Lanka’s hockey scene.
A Fitting Finale at Colombo International Hockey Complex
The climax of the season came on 7th September 2025, with the Men’s A Division Knockout Final—the prestigious Pioneer Cup. In a thrilling encounter, BRC edged past Old Nalanda Hockey Club at the Colombo International Hockey Complex. The intensity of the match reflected the tradition and pride associated with this historic trophy, which dates back to 1932.
The final was followed by a colorful awards presentation ceremony, celebrating champions across all divisions and formats.
Distinguished Guests and Leaders
The evening was graced by Hon. Sunil Kumara Gamage, Minister of Sports & Youth Affairs, who attended as Chief Guest. His presence reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening hockey and broader sporting development in Sri Lanka.
Among the distinguished special guests were senior representatives from sponsor organizations:
• Mr. Charith Kollure – Director / CEO, Ceylan Worldwide Pvt Ltd
• Mr. Akila Dayananda – Managing Director, ACA Global Logistics Pvt Ltd
• Mr. Shazad Ghani Head of strategic markets, CIAP Pvt Ltd
• Mr. Anushan Wijewardane – Head of Finance & Strategy, LANCO Wood Coating & Industrial Paints
• Mr. Dominic Perera – Associate Director, PR Wire Pvt Ltd
• Mr. Nandun Chandrarathna – CEO, Kloudworks Pvt Ltd
The Sri Lanka Hockey Federation was represented by its President, Mr. P. Vishwanathan.
The Colombo Hockey Association was represented in full strength, led by President Charitha D. Karunarathna and Secretary Kithmal Perera, together with Vice Presidents Rasika Ranaweera, Mithree Ranasinghe, Priyadharshan Giridharan, Sandun Gajanayake, and Tivanka Wijerathna. Life members and past presidents, including Mr. Ahmed Zumri, Mr. Damitha Silva, and Mr. Azad Jurangpathy, also attended, adding gravitas to the occasion.
Champions of 2025
• Men’s A Division League Championship – ANDRIESZ SHIELD: Old Nalanda Hockey Club
• Men’s A Division Knockout Championship – PIONEER CUP: BRC
• Women’s A Division League Championship: BRC
• Women’s A Division Knockout Championship: CR & FC
• Men’s B Division League Championship – PIONEER SHIELD: Old Joes Sports Club
• Men’s B Division Knockout Championship – BACON CUP: Old Joes Sports Club
• Men’s C Division League Championship – OLD BENS SHIELD: CH & FC
• Men’s C Division Knockout Championship – PRESIDENT’S CUP: Old Isiathana Hockey Club
Honoring Historic Traditions
The Colombo Hockey Association continues to preserve the legacy of Sri Lanka’s most prestigious hockey trophies, each carrying a unique historical footprint:
• Andriesz Shield (1933) – First presented by the Ceylon Light Infantry in honor of Mr. M. Andriesz, this remains the ultimate prize in A Division League hockey.
• Pioneer Cup (1932) – Donated by the Pioneer Sports Company, this knockout trophy has defined high-intensity A Division battles for over 90 years.
• Pioneer Shield (1933) – Another Pioneer Sports Company legacy, this shield has long been associated with the champions of the B Division League.
• Bacon Cup (1947) – Inaugurated in honor of Lt. Col. R.M.M. Bacon, a past president of the Ceylon Hockey Association, this knockout trophy has carried enduring prestige for decades.
Sponsors as Pillars of Success
The CHA acknowledged the vital role of sponsors, whose contributions made the tournaments a resounding success. Their support enabled the smooth execution of matches, ensured visibility for the sport, and underlined the importance of corporate partnerships in sustaining hockey.
• Ceylan Worldwide Pvt Ltd – Co-Sponsor / Official Clothing Partner
• ACA Global Logistics Pvt Ltd – Co-Sponsor
• CIAP Pvt Ltd – Co-Sponsor
• LANCO Wood Coating & Industrial Paints – Associate Sponsor
• PR Wire Pvt Ltd – Official PR Agency
• Emerging Media Pvt Ltd – Official Outdoor Digital Media Partner
• Kloudworks Pvt Ltd – Official Web Partner
Looking Forward
The 2025 League and Knockout tournaments reaffirmed Colombo’s status as the beating heart of Sri Lankan hockey. With the unwavering support of sponsors, the participation of leading clubs, and the presence of dignitaries who share a vision for the sport, the Colombo Hockey Association has once again demonstrated its ability to combine tradition with modern sporting excellence.
As the CHA looks ahead, the commitment to nurturing young talent while honoring hockey’s historic legacy remains stronger than ever.