MANJULA AND NISHANI BEAT OUT THE REST
Manjula Fernando of Rapid Fencing Club and Nishani Srikanthi Fernando of MDS Fencing Club came out as the best fencers in the Men’s and Women’s categories at the 8th National Fencing National Championship concluded at the Royal MAS Arena Sports Complex in Reid Avenue.
The duo came out on top in the Sabre Individual events of the two categories with champion men’s fencer Manjula winning the title for the third time, having also won in 2013 and 2015.
MDS Fencing Club having secured 11 medals, comprising of four gold, three silver and four bronze medals, clinched the overall championship title. Slimline Fencing Club took the second slot with seven medals comprising of three gold, two silver and two bronze medals followed by Linea Fencing Club in third with ten medals comprising of two gold, three silver and five bronze medals.
Meanwhile in the 4th Junior National Fencing Championship which was held concurrently Hiran Jayasekera based in USA and Chamodi Prathibha of Princess of Wales College, Moratuwa were adjudged the best fencers in the two categories.
Hiran had a successful championship as he went on to defeat Tharindu Madumal to bag the gold medal in the foil individual event of the Senior Championship.
Royal College Colombo and Princess of Wales Moratuwa emerged overall champions in the junior categories while Mahawatte MV and Pushpadana Girls’ School, two schools from the hill capital Kandy took the runners-up berths.
The two National Fencing Championships conducted by the National Fencing Association of Sri Lanka spearheaded by its President, Ajith Siymabalapitiya, saw the participation of over 200 fencers.
Dian Gomes former President of NFASL and incumbent President of the ABA graced the occasion as the Chief Guest at the awards ceremony.