Seventy years of passion and pride: Thrilling encounters light up Colombo Hockey League

The Colombo Hockey Association (CHA), now celebrating its monumental 70th anniversary, continues to honour its enduring legacy with adrenaline-pumping action on the turf. This past weekend, the Colombo International Hockey Ground became the battleground for fierce rivalries and rising stars as the Colombo Hockey League unfolded across three competitive divisions.

Anchored by history and fired by ambition, the A Division’s Andriez Shield and B Division’s Pioneer Shield served up intense matchups, dramatic finishes, and high-calibre performances — proving yet again why CHA remains the heartbeat of Sri Lankan field hockey.

A Division: Zahira’s firepower, CH & FC’s ruthlessness, and Royal’s international punch

The A Division brought out the best of local talent and international flair.

• Old Zahira Hockey Club delivered an early warning to their challenges with a stunning 7-1 victory over Old President’s Hockey Club. A six-man goal tally, including a dazzling brace from Supun and finishes from Mahdhi, Aashiq, and Abdul Azeez, signaled their intent to chase the Andriez Shield with firepower and finesse.
• CH & FC, on the other hand, went for a statement win, ruthlessly dispatching Old President’s HC 11-1. Udesh stole the show with a four-goal blitz, backed by goals from Randuna, Madawa, Thiran, and Damith — turning the turf into a goal fest.
• BRC was another side to impress, notching back-to-back victories, including a thrilling 5-3 comeback against Old Zahira. Abeetha’s hat-trick and Dananjaya’s consistent scoring made them one of the most watchable teams this weekend.
• Old Nalandians HC edged past Old Senanayakians SC 2-1 in a more tactical contest, with Budaraka and Bodika striking early.
• The Royal College HC vs. CH & FC showdown ended in a 2-2 draw, but the match had an international twist — Waseem from Pakistan and Harshdeep from India getting on the scoresheet, showcasing CHA’s growing cosmopolitan flavour.

B Division: Old Joes and Royal dominate, OTSC and Old Wesleyites in the mix

In the race for the Pioneer Shield, the B Division delivered spirited hockey with high-scoring games and breakout performers.

nOld Joes Sports Club looked unstoppable, chalking up two wins over the weekend — 4-1 vs. Gymkhana and 4-0 vs. Old Thomians’ Hockey Union. Divoid’s hat-trick in the opening match and Abner’s brace the next day underlined their attacking dominance.

nRoyal College HC (B) was equally commanding, beating CR & FC 5-1 with five different players including Shahid and Thaviru finding the net.

nOld Wesleyites SC clinched a hard-fought 2-1 win over OTSC before being held to a 2-2 draw by Old Bens SC. Imad’s late goal salvaged the latter point in a gripping finish.

C Division: Kithmina lights up the turf, CH & FC’s double delight

While still a developmental tier, the C Division proved it’s no less thrilling.

• Kithmina delivered one of the weekend’s standout performances, scoring four goals in the first half to lead Royal College HC to a 5-1 win over Colombo Malay CC.
• CH & FC (C) too made waves with a 4-2 win over Old Bens, with Godwin’s clinical brace leading the charge.
• Old Isipathana HC stunned BRC 4-1, while Old Peterites SC edged out the University of Moratuwa 2-1, courtesy of Pasan’s double strike.

Legacy in motion: 70 years and counting

As CHA commemorates its 70th year in 2025, every match is more than just a contest — it’s a tribute to decades of hockey passion that began in 1955 and was first immortalised in tournaments like the Andriez Shield, introduced in the 1930s. The league is more than a celebration of competition; it’s a living, breathing chapter of Sri Lanka’s sporting story.

With more action to come and the battle for the Andriez and Pioneer Shields heating up, CHA invites the public, alumni, and all hockey lovers to witness history in motion.

Stay tuned. The turf war has only just begun.