Manoj Deepal to lead Sri Lanka Schools hockey team

Sampath BANDARA

Manoj Deepal Ratnayake of Vijaya College, Matale has been appointed as captain of the Sri Lanka Schools hockey team. He has represented the senior and junior Sri Lanka School Hockey team for three years. He captained Vijaya College and received colours for the sport.

He also represented Central Province Hockey team and Matale District Hockey team.

He is one of the best hockey players produced by Vijaya College.

Vijaya College was emerged national champions and runner-up in the tournaments for several years under his captaincy.

Manoj Deepal Ratnayake is the ninth player from Vijaya College to captain the Sri Lanka Schools hockey team in the decade. Tuwan Parshad, Udesh Lakmal de Silva, Thusith Darshana Ratnasiri, Melan Prasad Ariyawansa, Dushan Milinda Sapugasgodage, Vinoj Lakshan de Silva, Nilina Nuwan Kumara Bandaranayake and Kalana Madushan Ananda have captained Sri Lanka Schools hockey team before Manoj Deepal.

Manoj Deepal is being coached by national hockey player Anuruddha Herath Bandara.