A game of passion. Infact, this is the most simple definition that can be given to describe the sport ; football. Few other sports also exhibit passion to that extent as football. It is the world’s most popular ball game in numbers of participants and spectators. No sporting event besides the Summer Olympic Games can stand at same level as that of the FIFA World Cup today. With its own simple principle rules and essential equipment, the sport can be played anywhere by anyone varying from official football playing fields to school playgrounds, beaches, streets or parks. Football also called association football or soccer, is a game in which two teams of 11 players. It uses any part of their bodies except their hands and arms and thereby try to maneuver the ball into the opposing team’s goal. Only the goalkeeper is permitted to handle the ball and may do so only within the penalty area surrounding the goal. The team that scores more goals wins.
Equal to the amount of fans of football is the time period that the history of this sport spans across . Football in its current form arose in England in the middle of the 19th century whereas alternative versions of the game existed much earlier and are a part of the football history. The game was soon expanded by British people who traveled to other parts of the world. Football in Sri Lanka is somewhat being left in the shadows due to the country’s test cricket team, which causes the sport to receive less attention. And yet I can confidently say that our very own J’pura football team have proved their worth on the fields nationally as well as internationally.
J’pura football team displayed their power and worth by entitling themselves as the champions in the Sri Lanka University Games (SLUG) in 2010 and in 2012 they became the UOM MORA Cup champions. Dumindu Kulathunga was awarded the best player award in the 2015 KDU Leaders’ trophy soccer tournament. The team’s prowess did not stop their as they excelled in the fields by once more becoming the champions of the 2018 FA Cup University League.
Taking USJ\’s football legacy into greater heights, the J’pura football team took effort to organize the inaugural edition of J’pura 7’s Invitational Football Tournament in 2019. This not only promoted the sport among all state universities but also was an opportunity to win yet another trophy among many as the J’pura football team became the champions of the tournament. All these victories were brought home owing to the players\’ skills, unlimited amount of hard work and dedication. Let’s also not forget the love and passion towards the sport which was shown and proven by our very own team throughout the years. The current pride is led by team captain ,E. M. M. B. Ekanayaka and Kushan Malinda Rupasinghe as vice- captain. Steadfast guidance and support is given by none other than their football coach, Mr. Mahesh Indika and the physical instructor in charge, Mr. Sudarsahana Keerthirata.
J’pura football champions excelled in showing their talents both nationally and internationally. One notable such attempt is that of Jude Suman who was among the first team players and a key player for the Sri Lankan football team. He is recognized as one of the best players. He went down in history by showing his talents on the fields of the FIFA world cup, Asian qualification matches and Bangabandhu Cup tournament. He also became the youngest player to obtain captaincy in the Renown SC club team in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka under 23 National Football team played against Nepal U23 in a match in the South Asian Games in 2019. Nepal scored their first goal in the penalty during the 35th minute of the game. Soon after much effort and fight, Sri Lanka managed to receive a free kick in the last minute of the game. After blow of the whistle, Jude Suman took the free kick from a long range and scored a fabulous goal for Sri Lanka. Jude Suman scored the goal against Nepal in the 91st minute and this was enough to prove his talent and power which he owns towards this game of passion.
With this rare and talented star comes forth three other star players of football born from mother J’pura; U. Iham, a school national team player who is currently playing in Ratnam FC, Sanira Vass, who is known to be one of the best keepers in the school national team of Sri Lanka and Sanka who also played for the school national team. Undoubtedly, these great personalities did not just shine by themselves, but also lit up the world of football and brought pride and recognition to mother J’pura.
J’pura football team are planning to take their next step in showing their spirit and power by playing the football big match for the first time ever in university history between the university of Sri Jayewardenepura and university of Peradeniya. Each and every one of you has gone through perseverance, sweat, and tears to reach where you are now. It’s time to prove the results of your rigorous training. Stun them all with your wondrous performance! Best wishes for your success. We believe in you!
Written by : Nisali Vithanage
Graphic Designed by : Jithmi Rajapaksha