Royal College emerged victorious in the inaugural Hayleys-sponsored Inter-School Fencing Tournament held at the Royal College MAS Arena on December 1 and 2, claiming the prestigious Dian Gomes Challenge Trophy.
As the pioneer school to introduce fencing in Sri Lanka in 2015, Royal College, along with S Thomas’ College, and spearheaded by Dian Gomes, a proud Royal College alumnus, organized the tournament. The event was named the Dian Gomes Challenge Trophy in honour of the individual who brought the sport of fencing to Sri Lanka.
The championship title was clinched by Royal College, while the noteworthy outstation school, Wickramashila National
Royal College’s Janindu Waduge (extreme right) receives the Best Fencer Award from Chief Guest Sri Lanka Boxing Association President Dian Gomes (left). Teacher-in-Charge Chandani Ediriweera (centre).
School of Giriulla in the Kurunegala district, secured the Runners-up position. Fencing experts hailed the tournament as the finest conducted in Sri Lanka to date.
Dian Gomes, the trailblazer of fencing in Sri Lanka, played a pivotal role in organizing the tournament on this grand scale and contributed financially to ensure its success.
The tournament featured competitions under four age categories: Under-13, Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19. Royal College dominated the medal tally, securing nine gold medals and eight silver medals in the eight-school competition.
Janindu Waduge, representing Royal College in the under-17 category, was adjudged the Best Fencer of the Tournament. Notably, eight schools participated in the competition, including Royal College, Wickramashila National School Giriulla, Dharmaraja College Kandy, Mahawatte Maha Vidyalaya Kundasala, Pilawala Maha Vidyalaya Wattegama, Pathadumbara Maha Vidyalaya Wattegama, Mahanama National School Panadura. Ranabima Royal College, Trinity College, and S Thomas’ College withdrew from the tournament.
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