Vijaya SC-Janashakthi, All-island Hockey sevens tourney

Richard DWIGHT

HOCKEY: As seen through the preceding years an increasing number of people could be expected to make their way to witness the Janashakthi “Nijabima Satana” Hockey Sevens 2007 tournament on September 22 and 23 at the Matale Stadia of Bernard Aluvihare and Nandimithra Ekanayake International.

The district of Matale with its 65 year old history for hockey, has often been referred to as the ‘cradle of Hockey.

It has produced a good number of star hockey players who have gone onto to represent the country - the healthy reputation earned thereby, found Matale being the only location selected outside Colombo to hold hockey matches for the 2006 South Asian Games.

This year’s National Hockey Sevens 2007 tournament is being organised and conducted by Matale Vijaya Sports Club (VSC) for the 9th consecutive year and sponsored by Janashakthi for the 2nd successive year.

These details of the forthcoming coming tournament, was made known to the members of the print as well as the electronic media at a briefing held at the Janashakthi office last Thursday, by the Vice President VSC, R. Jayaweera and sports secretary VSC, Major D.G.R. Fernando.

The tournament is open to clubs affiliated to the Sri Lanka Hockey Federation, and there would be around 50 men’s teams and 15 women’s teams vying for championship honours. The main contenders from the men’s clubs would be, the Army, Navy, Airforce, Police. CH&FC, Matale Park SC, Zahira Matale, old Thomians, Vijaya SC, old Anandians and old Nalandians.

The front liners in women’s teams are Seethadevi and Mahamaya from Kandy, VSC Matale, Visakha, Colts and Ladies from Colombo and Sangamitta.

Last year CH&FC and the Airforce sports club were adjudged joint champions in the men’s category, and in the women’s division, Seetha Devi Balika Vidyalaya were victorious, The winners of this year’s tournament will receive challenge trophies, replicas and a cash prize of Rs. 15,000 for men, Rs. 10,000 for women and Rs. 5000 for women and Rs, 2500 for over 40 men.

The preliminary matches will be played at the Bernard Aluvihare-Edward de Silva Park, Matale and, as from the quarter finals the tournament shall be played 9 a side, and would be continued at the Nandimithra Ekanayake Astro Turf International Hockey stadium.

The Director of Janashakthi Insurance, Ramesh Schaffter, addressing those present at the briefing said that Matale had a long history of hockey, where it contributed much to the furtherance and promotion of hockey, with many of her sons playing in the National team.

Ramesh acquainted those who didn’t know that the chairman of the company, Chandra Schaffter, was a double international, who represented the country at cricket and hockey.

He was however quick to explain that whilst they did have a sense of belonging for both cricket and hockey to support it they did as well contribute much to several other sports on the national level like squash, sailing, golf and tennis.

Janashakthi has been found to be a frontrunner in the development of sports in Sri Lanka, providing facilities and amenities for promising sportsmen women clubs and assisting as well the different sports bodies in varied ways.

Hockey is a much loved sport in Matale and has grown popular through the years. There were more than 15,000 to take in the action last year and, this year’s tournament may even have more at this much looked forward to event, where a carnival atmosphere will prevail during the two days at Matale.