Blaze 2025 wrapped up in spectacular fashion after five unforgettable days of fierce competition, unity, and sportsmanship. With participants from different universities competing in Cricket, Rugby, Basketball, and Football, the tournament delivered high-impact moments, lasting friendships, and outstanding athletic displays.
In cricket, standout performances led the way as Sineth Jayawardena from ECU was named Best Batsman, while Thewin Amarasinghe of ICBS Kandy took the Best Bowler title. Rusanda Gamage (ECU) was awarded Best Fielder, and Binara Sanketh (ICBS Colombo), who earned both Player of the Tournament and Player of the Final. In terms of team achievements, Imperial Colombo emerged as the cricket champions, followed by ECU as 1st runner-up and NIBM as 2nd runner-up.
The rugby field saw raw power and strategic play. National player Nizran Nillar graced the event to present special rugby awards. Vibhoda Dabare (ECU Blacks) clinched the Highest Try Scorer title, while Jason Karunaratne (Imperial Reds) was crowned Player of the Tournament. Team victories included ECU Blacks as Plate Champions, SLTC as Plate 1st Runner-Up, and Imperial Reds rising as Cup Champions, ahead of Imperial Blues (1st Runner-Up) and IIT (2nd Runner-Up)
The basketball courts were no less exciting. Sonali Perera and Hansini Maleesha from Imperial Colombo were named MVP and Best Defensive Player respectively, while Shenali Fernando from University of Kelaniya was recognized as the Best Offensive Player. In the men’s category, Methika Wickramasekara (ECU) earned the MVP title, with Sam Jashua Edward (Imperial Blues) and Janith Gamage (ECU) picking up the offensive and defensive awards. Imperial Colombo claimed the women’s basketball championship, with Kelaniya and Colombo placing second and third respectively. In men’s basketball, ECU was crowned champions, followed by Imperial Colombo.
Football wrapped up the tournament with thrilling matches and top-tier talent. National footballer Mr. Aakib Jaizer was present to distribute individual accolades. Kalana Rashmika (ICBS Colombo) was awarded Best Defensive Player, Muthusha Chamod (University of Colombo) named Best Goalkeeper, and Mohammed Muad from ESOFT earned the Golden Boot. Thariq Nilar and Nabeel Nizam, both from ICBS Colombo, were celebrated as Player of the Final and MVP respectively. In team results, ECU Blues were declared Plate Champions, with SAB Campus finishing as Plate 1st Runner-Up.
With outstanding performances across all four sports, Imperial Colombo was proudly crowned the Overall Champions of Blaze 2025, marking a remarkable achievement in university-level sports. The event concluded with roaring applause, inspiring speeches, and a promise of an even bigger Blaze in the years to come.
