CHRIS DHAMBARAGE
COLOMBO – In a display of true sportsmanship, St. Joseph’s College ruggerites exhibited their fine gesture by joining their opponents Isipathana College in paying last respects to Hashen Randimal’s beloved mother, Himali Priyangika, who passed away after a brief illness.
Randimal, the Isipathana speedy wing three quarter played a leading role and scored the first try for his team in the Inter-Schools Under-19 League Rugby Tournament match against St. Joseph’s College at Longden Place on Friday.
The defending league champions Isipathana went on to pull off a hard-fought 28-18 victory to keep their unbeaten record intact but a few minutes later the Josephian ruggerites joined their opponents in paying their last respects to Randimal’s late mother.
This was a remarkable sportsmanship exhibited by the St. Joseph’s Rugby Team and they have left a lasting impression on the sporting community after three weeks of fierce competition in this 14-team tournament.
Following the conclusion of their intense 70-minute battle for supremacy on the field, St. Joseph’s and Isipathana ruggerites put their rivalry aside and embraced the true essence of sportsmanship with messages of condolence.
The players and the officials of both teams exchanged kind words, sympathised with each other and showed genuine respect after their skills and dedication displayed on the field. It was a powerful reminder that, beyond the competition, sportsmen share a bond that transcends the game.
Randimal’s beloved mother passed away on Thursday, but he was able to control his emotions and gave his best to lead the Isipathana Team from the front with a splendid try, which was certainly a perfect sendoff gift to his late mother.
Randimal’s act will no doubt go into Isipathana rugby history as a great piece of magnitude following a similar performance in 1992 where the former Isipathana Captain Miyuru Yuganthara played a game soon after his father’s funeral.
