HNB powers journey of Sri Lanka’s Youth Netball Team to Asian Youth Championship 2025

Friday, 27 June 2025 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

HNB Vice President – Marketing and Corporate Communications Upul Adikari (right) symbolically handed over the sponsorship and playing gear to Deputy Minister of Sports Sugath Thilakaratne, Director General of Sports Prof. Shemal Fernando, Ministry of Sports Director I. P. Wijeratne, members and officials of the Sri Lankan Youth Netball Team

HNB has extended its support to the Sri Lanka Youth Netball Team as they represent the island at the 13th Asian Youth Netball Championship (AYNC) 2025, taking place from 27 June to 4 July in Jeonju, South Korea, reinforcing its continued investment in sports. The official sponsorship was formalised at the Ministry of Sports Auditorium in the presence of senior officials from the Ministry of Sports and HNB.

This year’s championship brings together 11 nations across two groups, with Sri Lanka placed in Group A alongside Malaysia, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, and Brunei. Leading the squad is Chalani Neesha from Holy Family Convent, Kurunegala. In the 2023 tournament, Sri Lanka secured a third-place finish and demonstrated its strength as a regional contender.

The team is coached by former national captain Hyacinth Wijesinghe, supported by assistant coach P. D. N. Prasadi, with several players hailing from strong school-level programs in Kurunegala and Colombo. The tournament opens for Sri Lanka today with a match against Hong Kong and continues with demanding games against Malaysia and Singapore – two of the top three teams from the previous edition.

For HNB, this initiative builds on years of sustained engagement with school and divisional netball, and reflects the bank’s broader commitment to supporting Sri Lanka’s sporting future through structured investment and continuity.

Reflecting on the significance of the sponsorship, HNB Vice President – Marketing and Corporate Communications Upul Adikari noted that this partnership aligns with the bank’s long-term focus on youth development and women’s empowerment through sport.

“We believe that true success is built from the ground up, from those early training sessions to representing the nation in an international stage. Institutions like ours must step forward with unwavering support for these young athletes not only carry the hopes of a nation but also embody the power of disciplined ambition. We are immensely proud to stand beside them as they represent Sri Lanka at the 13th Asian Youth Netball Championship.”

Emphasising the role of partnerships in strengthening national performance, the Director General of Sports, Prof. Shemal Fernando commented on HNB’s involvement as an example of strategic collaboration: “This sponsorship goes far beyond visibility, it signifies a genuine commitment to developing talent and building a nurturing environment where athletes can truly thrive. When esteemed institutions like HNB step forward with this level of support, it reinforces our national sports framework and empowers our teams to compete with confidence on the international stage.”

HNB continues to play an active role in national sports by supporting tournaments and competitive representation across multiple disciplines. Its involvement with the National Youth Netball Team marks another step forward in that journey, expanding the bank’s footprint from community-level engagement to international performance.

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