Hockey: Vijaya All-Island Inter-Club 7s next weekend

The 17th edition of Vijaya All-Island Inter-Club Hockey 7s Tournament 2016 for Men and Women, conducted by the Matale Old Vijayans Sports Club will get under way at Edward Park Matale, on October 22 and 23. 

This much looked-forward to Hockey fiesta in the hill country is open to all leading Hockey clubs islandwide, and will be played for the "Old Vijayans Cup" for Men and Women. 

This year's tournament is of special significance as it coincides with 130th anniversary celebrations of Vijaya College, a premier Buddhist coed school in Matale, founded in 1886. 

According to tournament Director, Major B.G.R Fernando, the 2-day tournament will attract 34 (28 Men and 6 Women) top teams including the Army, Navy, Air Force and Police. 

The tournament will be conducted on a League cum Knockout (KO) format with a high standard of Hockey on show during the two days. 

In addition to the coveted "Old Vijayans Cup" for the Champs, Winners and Runners-up in both categories will receive attractive cash prizes (Men's Champions Rs 50,000 and Runners-up Rs 25,000, Women's Champions Rs 25,000 & Runners-up Rs 15,000). 

The Opening Ceremony will be held at 7 am on Saturday, October 22, with State Minister of Agriculture, Matale MP and President- Matale Hockey Association, Wasantha Aluvihare as the Chief Guest, while Chairman- Army Hockey Committee, Maj.Gen. Shavendra Silva will be the Chief Guest at the Closing Ceremony on Sunday, October 23. 

Air Force SC leads the Vijayan's Hockey 7s series, winning the Men's title on 7 occasions with Seetha Devi SC, Kandy, has won the Women's title on 8 occasions, which is the highest to date.