St. Joseph’s take men’s title

By Bernie Wijesekera

In spite of St. Joseph’s College, Maradana taking the men’s title, newcomers to swimming Trinity College (men) and Mahamaya Kandy (girls) stole the limelight at the National Aquatic 2006 Championships, concluded at the Sugathadasa Stadium Aquatic Complex, yesterday.

Madhuranganan Shanmuganathan of Asia International winning the 100metres free style event. (Pic by Ranjith Perera)

St. Joseph’s (270.50) emerged the worthy champions beating their closest rivals Trinity (223) who gave an excellent performance. There were no records, but the 1500 M final, proved to be a heart-throbbing contest between experienced 18-year-old S. Madhuranganan (Asian International School) and 13-year-old S.K.A. Hulangamuwa (Trinity). The duo swam the race of their lives to return identical timings of 18:23.25.

The lad from the Hill capital school – a bundle of energy gave a breath – taking performance. Apparently for the first time in the history, the 1,500 M final ended in a tie. Madhuranganan is being coached by former National coach E.G.A. Wilson while Hulangamuwa by U.H. Pemlath. The third place was taken by Ashene Fernando (St. Joseph’s) 19:02.38.

The best swimmer among the women was Madhavi Dharmadasa of Asian International. She won 5 events with 25 pts. over Chathuri Abeykoon of Ladies College who collected 19 points. 15-year-old Dharmadasa emerged a national women’s champion for the third time. She won the title in 2003 and 2004 while Myumi Rahim (Singapore) won the title in 2005.

The Women’s Water Polo final between Visaka Vidyalaya and Ladies College turned out to be a ding-dong battle. Dead-locked at 4-all at full-time Visaka won on a penalty shoot out at 4-3. The women’s champions Bishop College (35) Visaka (21) and Anula Vidyalaya 10.