Record number of Schools at 2024 ESOFT Blue & Gold Hockey 7s

Chairman and Managing Director of ESOFT Group Dr. Dayan Rajapakse (left) hands over the sponsorship cheque to Dr. Jayantha Senanayake (right), the Treasurer of Royal College Hockey Club (RCHC) in the presence of Royal College Principal Thilak Waththuhewa   

Blue & Gold Hockey 7s, Sri Lanka’s oldest and largest schools’ hockey carnival organised by the Royal College Hockey Club (RCHC) will see a record 70 schools participating in this year’s edition scheduled to be held from August 10-11 at the Royal College main ground.   

The 19th edition of this prestigious invitational tournament for school hockey made a triumphant comeback last year despite economic challenges.   

This year, ESOFT Metro Campus has once again come forward as the title sponsor of the tournament for the second successive year.  Last year’s tournament saw the participation of 66 schools across both boys’ and girls’ categories.  “We are proud to return as the Title Sponsor for the 2nd consecutive year for the Blue & Gold Hockey 7s,” said Dr. Dayan Rajapakse, Chairman and Managing Director of ESOFT Group.   

“At ESOFT, we believe in investing in the future of these young athletes, supporting their ambitions, and fostering a spirit of teamwork and excellence. Our commitment goes beyond sponsorship; it’s about making a lasting impact,”  The tournament provides young and energetic players from diverse backgrounds with a unique opportunity to display their skills and talents in an arena that has not only caught the limelight in the national hockey fraternity but is also a standout attraction on Sri Lanka schools’ sports calendar.  “With ESOFT Metro Campus as our Title Sponsor, the Blue & Gold Hockey 7s is set to reach new heights. Their support is invaluable and will significantly enhance the experience for all our participants. We deeply appreciate ESOFT’s dedication and look forward to an outstanding event. This partnership not only helps in organizing the tournament but also inspires our players to strive for excellence,” said Mr. Thilak Waththuhewa, Principal of Royal College.   

The intense competition, thrill, excitement, sportsmanship, interaction, and camaraderie, along with the carnival atmosphere during the two days of the tournament, provide a memorable experience for everyone who participates, attends, and witnesses the event.   

“ESOFT Metro Campus’s Title Sponsorship is a game-changer for the Blue & Gold Hockey 7s Tournament. Their generous support ensures top-notch facilities and resources, allowing us to deliver an exceptional experience for all participants,” said Mr Damitha Silva, Secretary of RCHC.  This fascinating inter-school hockey tournament is a much-anticipated event, with the RCHC arranging top-notch facilities including accommodation for outstation teams, meals, and beverages, thanks to generous sponsors.   

“We are honoured to be the Title Sponsor for the Blue & Gold Hockey 7s. This sponsorship reflects our commitment to empowering youth through education and sports. We look forward to supporting Royal College and witnessing the incredible talent and sportsmanship on display,” said Mr. Nishan Sembacuttiaratchy, CEO of ESOFT Metro Campus (Pvt) Ltd and Director of ESOFT International Education (Pvt) Ltd.   

The tournament will feature young talent from across the island, with nearly 200 matches played in the true spirit of the sport.   

St. Joseph’s College, Colombo emerged victorious in the boys’ category under the Cup Championship when the tournament was held in 2023, while Holy Family Convent, Wennappuwa clinched the Cup Championship in the girls’ category.   

The hosts, Royal College Colombo, lead the tally in the boys’ category with three championships under their belt, followed by Nalanda College, Vijaya College Matale, and Joseph Vaz College, who have won the tournament twice each, while Zahira College Matale, Wesley College, Vidyartha College Kandy, St. Thomas’ College Matale, Kingswood College, Trinity College, St. Joseph’s College Colombo, and Ananda College have each won the tournament once.  In the girls’ category, Seethadevi College leads the tally with a record of eight championships. Pushpadana College follows with four championships, while Musaeus College, Vijaya College Matale, St. Anthony’s Girls’ College Kandy, and Janadhipathi Balika Vidyalaya Nawala have each won the tournament once.   
“Partnering with the Blue & Gold Hockey 7s as the Title Sponsor underscores ESOFT’s dedication to youth development. This collaboration provides young athletes with essential resources and a platform to excel. We are excited to be part of this prestigious event and look forward to remarkable performances,” said Mr. Amila Bandara, COO-Group Business Development, ESOFT Metro Campus (Pvt) Ltd.   

The tournament features three categories: Cup, Plate, and Bowl Championships. Teams begin with a preliminary group stage, progress through knockout games, and culminate in the grand finale where the top two teams compete for the Cup Championship.