Akeesha Hirundi Silva, a talented 14-year-old tennis player from Newstead Girls College Negombo, has been chosen to represent Sri Lanka in the upcoming ITF Asia 14 and Under Development Championship finals in Kuching, Malaysia to be held from April 8 to 19. The announcement was made by the Sri Lanka Tennis Association yesterday.
Akeesha’s selection comes on the heels of her impressive performance at the South Asian Regional ITF Asia 14 and Under Development Championship in Vietnam from January 8 to 18. Standing out as the sole player from Sri Lanka, Akeesha clinched the Doubles Championship alongside Sandithi Usgodarachchi of Museaus College. However, it was her outstanding singles performance that secured her spot in the prestigious Malaysian tournament.
This marks Akeesha’s fourth international tour, having previously competed in Kazakhstan and Nepal for the Under-12 World Junior Tournaments. In the Under-14 category, she participated in the Vietnam Tour, and the upcoming championship in Malaysia will be her fourth venture onto the international stage.
Akeesha Silva’s journey into tennis began in Grade two at Newstead College, where she quickly rose to prominence. Last year, she dominated the ITF tournament held in Sri Lanka, claiming both the Single and Doubles Championships. Her achievements also include winning the National level tournament, Janaka Bogollagama Tennis Championship, and the Hard Court National Championship organized by the Sri Lanka Tennis Association. Additionally, she triumphed in the Queen’s Club national level tournament in the Under-14 category.
Akeesha, a red ball game champion in her age group every year, receives training at the Smash Tennis Academy in Negombo, under the guidance of former national player Dumidu Dilum. She initially started her tennis journey under Sirimal Kannangara and transitioned to Dumidu Dilum’s training center at the Under-12 level. Akeesha undergoes physical training with Tharuka Perera, based in Negombo.
Sajeewa Jayakody