Commander Praises Judo Players for their Excellence at National Level

Sri Lanka Army Judo players who clinched the overall championship in the recent National Judo Tournament - 2017, held at Colombo Torrington Stadium, Ministry of Sports winning Gold, Silver and Bronze medals, received commendation and praise from the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake during a brief felicitation, organized at the Army Headquarters this morning (19).

Major General Anura Sudasinghe, Director General Sports welcomed the day's Chief Guest, Commander of the Army on arrival at the premises.

The winners, led by Brigadier Shantha Dehiwatta, Chairman, Army Judo Committee, along with Secretary, Lieutenant Colonel Sumeda Wijekoon and around 100 Officers and Other Ranks in the Army Judo club showed up at the venue where each and every player was introduced to the Army Chief.

The Commander closely inquired into their gains and assured them of further support in the future and hailed them for bringing reputation to the organization at national level. He also urged them to keep on training in every sport and the game whenever time permits since it is the commitment that brings best results.

Sri Lanka Army Judo players in the National Judo Tournament during 20 - 21 December 2017 emerged national champions beating more than 350 leading Judo players who competed.

Their Friday’s meeting with the Commander organized by the Directorate of Sports inspired them largely since it was the first time a Commander of the Army was meeting all Army Judo players under one roof.

Adding more significance to the meet, the Commander, together with all the players posed for a group photo at the request of everyone.

The National Judo Championship - 2017, organized by the Sports Development Department of Sports Ministry was competed by more than 350 male and female Judo players, representing 80 all island-wide sports clubs, amid a large gathering of Judo fans.

The Championship in team events was won by the Sri Lanka Army, scoring 57.5 marks while the Sri Lanka Air Force emerged runners-up by scoring 43.5 marks. In the sportswomen's category, the Championship was won by the Sri Lanka Army Women's Corps scoring 44.5 marks while the Sri Lanka Police emerged the runners-up by collecting 14 marks.

In addition, Lance Corporal J.M.N Silva was named as the Best Woman player in the Judo tournament.

Several Senior Army Officers and Other Ranks were present during the Commander’s meet with Judo players.