Blue & Gold Hockey Sevens on 21-22 October

Amidst court cases, administrative blunders and power struggles that mar the beautiful game of hockey in the paradise island, the Blue and Gold Hockey Sevens tournament comes as a beacon to refresh the minds and hearts of the hockey-loving fraternity. 

It’s going to be the end of the drought and like the welcome rains that give relief and happiness to the people, the hockey fraternity will be served with a peach of a tournament at a time when this beautiful game needs refreshing thoughts inspiring words and a desire to deliver. 

The Royal College Hockey Club together with Royal College comes out to deliver another fascinating edition of the Blue and Gold Hockey Sevens sponsored by Singer Sri Lanka Limited on Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October at the Royal College Grounds, Reid Avenue, Colombo 7, commencing at 7:30 a.m. on both days.

Undoubtedly it is the much-awaited, much-talked-about schools all-island hockey tournament which is meticulously planned and professionally executed and which has won the hearts of all schools hockey players who have taken part in this annually-conducted tournament.

The enthusiasm among the school hockey players towards this tournament had been enormous and this year too almost 60 teams are expected to take part in the boys and girls categories from all parts of the country. 

It will be a carnival atmosphere with many exciting events lined up in addition to the exhibition of great skills culminated with grit and spirit of young hockey players, who will come with all guns blazing to reach the top. This tournament is once again sponsored by Singer (Sri Lanka) Ltd., a household brand name in sports.

The energetic members of the Royal College Hockey Club under the blessings and guidance of the Principal of Royal College B. A. Abeyratne and with the assistance of the Royal College hockey fraternity have left no stone unturned and carefully planned out every detail to give prominence to the participants while upholding the great comradeship among the players. An event of this magnitude which is a big boost to the game of hockey is rated as the most glamourous hockey event of the year, thus the Blue and Gold Hockey Sevens is bound to give all the thrills and excitement.

In keeping with the transformation of the game globally, a number of new additions have been included in this year’s edition to make it even more colourful and competitive. 

The defending champions St. Thomas’ College, Matale who hail from the hockey crazy town of Matale will come all out to defend the title. They will face a stiff challenge from the hosts Royal College, the three times winners and the last year’s National Schools Games champions. Other schools that are expected to be front runners are Nalanda College, last year cup runner-up Joseph Vaz College Wennappuwa and St. Aloysius College, Galle. In the girls category defending champions Seethadevi Balika Vidyalaya Kandy will be up against last year›s runner-up Sangamitta College Matale, last year’s national schools games champions Janadhipathi Balika Vidyalaya Nawala, and Sri Sumangala Balika Panadura. The country’s top most umpires will officiate at this tournament which is played on three categories, the cup, plate and bowl with glittering trophies and medals on offer. Special awards for the most outstanding player of the tournament and the best goal keeper from both boys and girls categories too would be awarded

All in all a keen tussle is expected among the teams and an enjoyable two days of hockey is on the cards.