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Youth

HNB Supports Sri Lanka Youth Netball Team at 13th Asian Youth Netball Championship

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Housing and Investments Bank (HNB) has reinforced its commitment to Sri Lanka's sporting future by sponsoring the Sri Lanka Youth Netball Team as they represent the island at the 13th Asian Youth Netball Championship in South Korea. The team, led by Chalani Neesha from Holy Family Convent, Kurunegala, is coached by Hyacinth Wijesinghe and P. D. N. Prasadi, with several players hailing from strong school-level programs in Kurunegala and Colombo. 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.

Key Takeaways:

  • HNB has formalized its official sponsorship of the Sri Lanka Youth Netball Team at the Ministry of Sports Auditorium, represented by senior officials from the Ministry of Sports and HNB.
  • The 2023 tournament saw Sri Lanka secure a third-place finish and demonstrate its strength as a regional contender.
  • The team is coached by former national captain Hyacinth Wijesinghe and supported by assistant coach P. D. N. Prasadi.
  • Several players hail from strong school-level programs in Kurunegala and Colombo.
  • The tournament opens for Sri Lanka with a match against Hong Kong, followed by challenging games against Malaysia and Singapore, two of the top three teams from the previous edition.
  • HNB's partnership with the team reflects the bank's broader commitment to supporting Sri Lanka's sporting future through structured investment and continuity.
  • The bank's Vice President, Upul Adikari, emphasized the significance of the sponsorship, highlighting the bank's focus on youth development and women's empowerment through sport.
  • The Director General of Sports, Prof. Shemal Fernando, commended HNB's involvement, stating that it reinforces the national sports framework and empowers teams to compete with confidence on the international stage.

Statistics:

  • The 13th Asian Youth Netball Championship takes place from 27 June to 4 July 2025 in Jeonju, South Korea.
  • 11 nations are participating in the tournament, divided into two groups.
  • Sri Lanka is placed in Group A alongside Malaysia, Singapore, India, Hong Kong, and Brunei.
  • The Sri Lanka Youth Netball Team is led by Chalani Neesha from Holy Family Convent, Kurunegala.
  • In the 2023 tournament, Sri Lanka secured a third-place finish.
  • HNB continues to support national sports through tournaments and competitive representation across multiple disciplines.

Sources:

  • "HNB Extends Support to Sri Lanka Youth Netball Team" [No date]
  • Ministry of Sports Auditorium, HNB, and senior officials from the Ministry of Sports
  • "13th Asian Youth Netball Championship" [No date]
  • Housing and Investments Bank (HNB)

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