13th Defence Services Games Begin

The opening ceremony of the 13th Defence Services Games took place on 12 September 2024 at the Indoor Stadium, Army Physical Training School, Panagoda, under the patronage of Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army and President of the Defence Services Sports Board. Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera, Commander of the Navy, Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa, Commander of the Air Force, Vice Presidents of the Defence Services Sports Board also graced the occasion.

Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu officially declared the 13th Defence Services Games open, followed by the lighting of the Defence Services Games torch by three athletes representing the Tri-Forces. A highlight of the ceremony was the introduction of the official mascot, 'Sinha Thor,' adding a special touch to the event.

Organised under the guidance of the Army Chief, this year’s tournament is hosted by the Sri Lanka Army, with support from the Sri Lanka Navy and Air Force. The tournament will run until October 2025, with over 4,000 athletes from the Army, Navy and Air Force, participating across 39 sporting events.

Throughout history, Tri-Forces athletes who have qualified through Defence Services Games have brought numerous international medals to Sri Lanka. The opening ceremony was attended by the Chairpersons of sports committees, the Secretary of the Defence Services Sports Board, Defence Services Sports Board Officers, and other sports personnel representing the Tri-Forces, marking the commencement of one of the most anticipated events in the Sri Lankan sports calendar.