Are you aware that Hameed Al Husseinie College produced Sri Lanka’s first World Champions in any sport? Yes, that is the school that produced the great Mohammed Junaid Mohammed (MJM) Lafir who amazed the entire world with his skills on the green baize.
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| The current generation of Hameed Al Husseinie admiring the commemoration stamp. - Pic by Sanka Vidanagama |
Do you know that though small in size the school situated adjacent to the Vivekananda Hill in Central Road next to Pettah is one of the main suppliers to the national soccer grid as well?
Hameed Al Husseinie College celebrated their 125th year by releasing a commemorative stamp and a grand ceremony held at the college premises to mark this momentous occasion. Though not considered by many to be in the top echelons of the schools hierarchy in Colombo, it is an institution steeped with history and achievement.
As the first Islamic school to be established in the country in 1884 during colonial times “Al Madrasathul Khairiyyathul Islamiah” as it was called then, later to be named “Hameedia Boys’ English School” amalgamated with another fine Islamic academic institution “Husseinie Boys’ English School” in 1961 and was then renamed Hameed Al Husseinie College, which stands to this current date.
Even though academics is still considered to be first priority it is impossible to ignore the great sporting success achieved and the contribution made to national sport by this fine institution. Their first success in football came as early as 1956 where they were the runners-up in the Tarbat Shield and emerged champions the following year. From there onwards there was no holding back and they established themselves to be one of the forerunners in Sri Lankan Football, winning numerous championships in all age groups and almost always making their way in to the final.
A trend which exists to date with the team ending as runner-up in the Divisional, Zonal and Provincial tournaments held this year and with around ten present Hameedians having represented the country in competitions abroad.
At present 31-year-old Mohammed Asmeer better known in football circles as ‘Aliyar’, a product of HAH, plays in central midfield for the national team and has been playing for the country since 1999… a decade of service.
Though renowned for their skill in football it would be wrong to say that it is the only sport they have excelled in. The Hameedian pugilists have proved their salt in the square ring many times. The Stubbs Shield, LV Jayatilake Cup, The TB Jaya Cup and The Francis Jayawardene Memorial have been on display in the HAH trophy cabinet and this should dispel any doubt of their ability in the ring as these are some of the biggest prizes on offer in Sri Lankan schools boxing.
And of course there is the great M.J.M. Lafir who made history in 1973 at the World Amateur Billiard Championship in Bombay when he was crowned champion… a glorious feat which put Sri Lanka on the billiards map.
Special mention must be made of the enthusiasm shown at the ceremony to mark a memorable 125 years of existence. It is the very enthusiasm that ensures that this small school is able to punch above its weight in the sporting arena, a school without a playground, facilities or the financial assistance enjoyed by most longstanding schools in Colombo. If the determination, grit and verve shown by the students of Hameed Al Husseinie College were to be appreciated and rewarded with a little help, the sky would be the limit for these young men. |
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