Janashakthi Insurance to sponsor hockey in Matale District

HOCKEY: Janashakthi Insurance will be happy to sponsor hockey in the Matale District among the rural youth and assist them both on and off the field.

So said Janashakthi's Deputy Chairman, Chandra Schaffter, who was the guest of honour at last week's 9th All-Island 7's organised by the Old Vijayans Sports Club of Matale sponsored by Janashakthi for the second year which proved a tremendous success. The men's title was won by Air Force "Blues" who beat Police 4-0. The Airmen's clash with CH & FC (joint champions last year) in the semi-finals was worthy of a final.

The women's title went to Seethadevi 'A' who beat Vijaya SC 2-0 to win the title for the eighth occasion since the inception of the tournament in 1999.

Matale was the cradle of hockey in the country in the past and produced numerous top players (both men and women) thanks to the legendary George Mant.

The tournament was well organised under the President of the Old Vijayans SC, Rohana Dissanayake, Minister for Urban Development, together with his hard working committee.

- L.G