RUZAIK FAROOK
COLOMBO : Three Sri Lanka Masters hockey team will participate in the World Masters Hockey World Cup 2026 scheduled to be held in Rotterdam, Netherlands, from 22 July to 1 August 2026. The 2026 World Cup tour is facilitated by Sri Lanka Masters National Hockey Association (SLMNHA) which is the member of the World Masters Hockey.
Recognized as the world’s premier Masters hockey championship, this prestigious tournament brings together former national and international players from across the World. The 2026 edition will feature over 3,600 athletes representing leading hockey-playing nations worldwide, along with more than 10,000 family members, supporters, officials and spectators, making it one of the largest Masters sporting events in the world.
This will mark Sri Lanka’s fourth consecutive participation at the World Masters Hockey World Cup, following previous appearances in Barcelona, Spain (2018), Nottingham, United Kingdom (2022), and Auckland, New Zealand (2024). Sri Lanka’s continued presence at this prestigious global event reflects the dedication, commitment and resilience of the country’s Masters hockey community
For the first time in history, Sri Lanka will field three Men’s National Masters teams in the Over 35, Over 40 and Over 50 categories. These teams will compete against some of the World’s strongest hockey nations, including Australia, England, Germany, Belgium, Spain, India, South Africa, France, Scotland, Wales, Chile and Argentina.
The squads consist of former Sri Lanka National players who have represented the country over several decades.
“Preparations for this World Cup have been ongoing for more than a year, with regular training sessions, fitness programmes and match preparations conducted at the Colombo Astro Turf, ensuring the teams are fully prepared for international competition,” said Fouzul Hameed, the President of SLMNHA.
“We trust the participation of Sri Lankan teams will help the game of hockey in the future while it also could lead to boost sports tourism, if the authorities could use these kinds of opportunities well.”
The Sri Lanka Masters National Hockey Association takes immense pride in the leadership of these distinguished former national players, whose experience, professionalism and commitment continue to inspire future generations of Sri Lankan hockey players, Hameed said.
Sri Lanka’s participation in the 2026 Masters Hockey World Cup comes at a time when the island nation is ranked 36th in the International Hockey Federation (FIH) Men’s World Rankings, 9th in Asia, and 4th among the leading nations in South Asia.
Although Sri Lanka has shown steady progress in its national hockey programme, the development of the sport continues to face challenges, including limited infrastructure, with only two international-standard Astro Turf hockey facilities available in Colombo and Matale, together with the need for increased financial support and sponsorship opportunities.
Against this backdrop, the achievements of Sri Lanka’s Masters teams represent a remarkable testament to the commitment, sacrifice and passion of former national players who continue to proudly represent the country at the international level.
Sri Lanka’s consistent participation in the World Masters Hockey World Cup highlights the growing strength and organization of Masters hockey in the country. The teams aim not only to compete at the highest level but also to inspire the next generation of Sri Lankan hockey players.
Players have mostly self-funded the tour while they have also promoted in the last three World Cups with an aim to promote the country as a sports tourism destination. The efforts helped SLMNHA to host Four-Nation International Masters Hockey Cup last year including countries like India and UAE.
The SLMNHA is also pleased to announce its collaboration with the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau to promote Destination Sri Lanka throughout the World Masters Hockey World Cup 2026.
“This tournament provides a unique global platform, bringing together thousands of athletes, families, officials and supporters from around the world,” SLMNHA President Hameed said.
“Through this partnership, Sri Lanka will be showcased as a premier destination for tourism, culture, sports, hospitality and investment to an international audience.”
“These boys are spending their own money to promote the Sri Lanka hockey and to promote our country as a great tourist destination.”
The Netherlands is internationally recognized as one of the world’s leading hockey nations, where field hockey is among the country’s most popular sports after football. Hosting this prestigious tournament in Rotterdam provides an ideal opportunity to showcase Sri Lanka’s sporting heritage and national identity on the global stage.
World Cup Opponents, Captains
During the preliminary stages of the tournament, the Sri Lankan teams will compete against the following nations:
Men’s Over 35: Germany, Italy, South Africa and Wales
Men’s Over 40: France, Scotland, South Africa and India
Men’s Over 50: Chile, Scotland, Australia and England
Men’s Over 50 team will be led by Saman Jayalath from Hatton National Bank PLC, Over 40 will be captained by W.M.A.M.S.B. Anuruddha Wickremasinghe, the Regional Manager (Region 12) at Sampath Bank PLC, and Over 35 will be led by Upul Dhanushka Fernando, Assistant Manager at Hatton National Bank Life PLC. Veteran former national sticker Ashok Peiris will be the coach for the teams and M.M.M Mueen will be the manager.
Details of the teams participating in the World Cup
Over 35
Upul Fernando (Captain), Waruna Thilakarathna, Buddhi Maldeniya, Anushanga Shameera Ranaweera, Pumuditha Denis Sirimanne, Sahul Hameed Mohamed Fahad, Sachith Aravinda Gamhewage, Chanaka Kumara Mallikarathna, Ishara Kulathunga, Damith Madushanka Bandara, Sandaruwan Priyalanka, A.L.Gihan Denusha Peiris, Aliver Clive Fernando, and Pasan Mallawaarachchi.
Over 40
Anuruddha Wickramasinghe (Captain), Priyadharshan Giridaran, G M S C Gajanayaka, Sanjay Edgar Uduwara, Thilina Perera, Yohan Lewke, Maarlon De Alwis, Chathuranga Dinesh, Shakthi Rashiha, Dhanushka Udara Gunarathne, Prabash Narada Perera, Sherwin Moral, Pumega Kulatunga, Jiffery Irshad, Dinuka Nuwan Weerasinghe, and Joy Bernard
Over 50
S.J Vandalan (Captain), Duncan Devendra, Navin Marapana, Lalinda Kulatunga, Sampath Subasinghe, Manuja Gunawardana, D C Perera, V.Balagobi, Mohamed Hanas, Shihar Aneez, Praveen Chanaka, Kudagamage Nadith Kudagama, Lushantha Perera, Kasun Herath, Abdul Akthar Irshad, Sumith Jayasena, E.A,M.R.AK.Elahena, Shammika Meegahapola
About Sri Lanka Masters Hockey
The Sri Lanka Masters Hockey Association was established in 2012 with the objective of promoting, developing and strengthening Masters hockey through former national players and hockey veterans who have served the sport with distinction.
Over the years, the Association has united veteran players from across Sri Lanka to preserve the proud traditions of Sri Lankan hockey while providing opportunities to continue competing at the highest international Masters level.
Despite numerous challenges, including limited infrastructure, financial constraints and the need for greater support for the sport, the Association has remained committed to developing Masters hockey and promoting Sri Lanka on the international sporting stage.
