Zahira launches series of events to mark its Rugby centenary celebs.

RUZAIK FAROOK

COLOMBO — Zahira College,Colombo launched a series of events to mark its Centenary Rugby celebrations in the presence of Rugby legend David Campese

Zahira College Colombo, a trailblazer in school-level rugby in Sri Lanka, has been a consistent participant in the A Division School Rugby League for numerous years. Since the inception of rugby at Zahira in 1924, the college proudly stands among the venerable rugby-playing schools in Sri Lanka, sharing this distinguished legacy with schools such as Kingwood, Trinity, and Royal College.

A press conference was held at the Zahira College Colombo Gaffoor Hall in connection with the Zahira College Rugby 100th Centenary Celebration on Tuesday January 30.  

In celebration of its momentous 100th anniversary, Zahira College Colombo is set to host the prestigious Zahira Rugby Centenary 7’s Tournament. This landmark event will showcase the participation of 14 leading Sri Lankan schools, with the inclusion of a select few distinguished overseas schools. As a testament to Zahira’s enduring legacy in rugby, this tournament promises to be a remarkable convergence of talent and sportsmanship on the grand stage.

Zahira College is the newest inclusion from Sri Lanka to join the esteemed Global Partner network alongside the Leicester Tigers Club in the United Kingdom. The official announcement of this significant partnership within the Tigers’ Global Partner Club network was made on Sunday, December 31, 2023, during the halftime interlude of the Gallagher Premiership match between the Tigers and Bath Rugby in the UK. This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in fostering international connections and advancing mutual interests within the realm of rugby.

In the foreseeable future, Zahira Rugby Community coaches, in collaboration with the coaching expertise of the Leicester Tigers, are set to commence an expansive island-wide coaching tour. This strategic partnership is designed not only to promote grassroots rugby but also to lay the foundations for a sustainable and continuous development process. Undertaking this initiative, Zahira College is unwaveringly committed to cultivating the next generation of rugby talent and leaving an enduring impact on the sport throughout the entire island.

In an effort to enhance the event’s allure, Zahira College takes immense pride in extending a formal invitation to one of the world’s iconic rugby players, David Campese. The distinguished former Australian rugby union player, who graced the field from 1982 to 1996, boasts an impressive record of 101 caps for the Wallabies, participating in 85 Tests.

Having already arrived in Sri Lanka, this momentous occasion has been made possible through the generous sponsorship of Diamond Best Foods, dedicated to ‘Empowering Wellness through Trusted Nourishment.’ Collaborating with the Sri Lanka Tourism, Sri Lankan Airlines, Ministry of Sports, Sri Lanka Rugby, and the Sri Lanka Schools Rugby Association (SLSRFA), this event gains remarkable significance.

Campese’s visit to Sri Lanka brings an extraordinary dimension to the proceedings, reinforcing Zahira College’s commitment to fostering international rugby connections and elevating the sport in the region. Throughout his stay, Campese will lead a high-level coaching camp for coaches, a strategic initiative poised to significantly enhance the state of rugby in our country.

By hosting this mega tournament, Zahira aspires not only to showcase the sporting prowess of our talented athletes but also to stimulate tourism on a global scale, thereby highlighting the immense potential of our paradise island – ‘A Land Like No Other.’ Thus, the entire centenary year celebration will include two vital partnerships with Sri Lanka Tourism and Sri Lankan Airlines towards this endeavor.

Also the chief guest David Campese launched 100^th Centenary Celebration logo at this ceremony.  

Diamond Best Food ( Roza and Diamond Milk Powder ) sponsor for the Australian Rugby Legend David Campese’s tour to Sri Lanka.  The Group Director of Diamond Best Food Mohammed Jisthy Mohammaed Ali handed over sponsorship cheque to the Principal of the Zahira College Trizviiy Marikar.

Board of Governors Secretary Alavi Mukthar, Zahira College Rugby Centenary Director Saabir Cader, Sri Lanka Rugby Federation President Naleen De Silva, Sri Lanka Tourist Promotion Bureau General Manager Nalin Perera, Sri Lanka Rugby Football Association Deputy President Buddhika Attanayake and Zahira College Board of Governors Sports Committee Chairman Naina Mohamed were also present.