Wesley College Alumni Middle East–UAE marks Strikes of Blue’s 10th edition

Wednesday, 21 October 2026 00:04 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Wesley College Alumni Middle East–UAE marked the 10th edition of its Strikes of Blue Big Bash Bowling Tournament by bringing Sri Lankan schools and community members together for a celebration of sport, fellowship and giving in the UAE.

Hosted at the Dubai International Bowling Centre (DIBC), the event featured male and female school categories alongside Big Bash matchups that rekindled rivalries.

Participants raised AED 1,800 through team registrations for the SAHANA - Sri Lankan Welfare Association, which supports distressed Sri Lankans living in the UAE. The donation was presented during the awards ceremony in the presence of Consul General for Dubai and Northern Emirates Alexi Gunasekara. The contribution reflected the generosity of participating teams and the organisers’ commitment to connecting celebration with support.

On the lanes, Zahira College Green won the male schools championship with 1,495 points, and Muslim Ladies’ College Green took the female title with 1,282. Hameed Al Husseinie College earned the special 10th edition trophy for the highest combined score among its 10 players.

Rifthy Abdul of Thurstan College was named Male Player of the Event with 374 points. Zahira Feroz of Muslim Ladies’ College Green received the female award with 282 points. Javed Farooq of Royal College and Amra Cassim of Muslim Ladies’ College Green were named King and Queen of Strikes respectively.

Big Bash clashes showcased school pride. Royal College won the Battle of the Blues against St Thomas’ College; St Sebastian’s College claimed the Battle of the Golds; Thurstan College won against Isipathana College in the Battle of the Brothers; Trinity College Strikes Battle of the Blues Kandy against St Anthony’s College; Wesley College won the Battle of the Legends against St Benedict’s College; and Zahira College Green took the Heritage Derby against Hameed Al Husseinie College.

Wesley College Alumni Middle East–UAE thanked schools, players, sponsors, volunteers and supporters for making the 10th edition possible. Sponsors included Siraj Finance, Crown Dates, Thambapanni, Frico International LLC, Classic Venture Tourism, Kelly’s Cakes, GSI Packing Materials Trading, Envoy London, Sams Chillies and Naturalz.

As organisers look ahead to the 11th edition in 2027, Strikes of Blue continues to offer Sri Lankans in the UAE an opportunity to celebrate their heritage, strengthen ties across generations and give back together.