This was the first time Sri Lankan school students officially represented the nation in Esports at an Olympic movement event, proudly competing on the international stage among Asia’s best.
Over 8,000 participants from 45 nations and territories competed across 26 sporting disciplines, with Esports standing alongside traditional sports such as athletics, swimming, badminton, and basketball.
Representing Sri Lanka in this landmark event were Esports athletes Sayuni Sadushika of IES College International, Polonnaruwa and Haiyan Aqwam of Zahira College (National School), Puttalam, who took part in Efootball and Street Fighter events respectively, gaining invaluable international experience.
Sayuni made history as Sri Lanka’s first female Esports school athlete, claiming a match victory against Mongolia in the Efootball Girls 1v1 event.
Her determination and composure throughout the competition earned recognition, particularly as the event was eventually won by Saudi Arabia, one of her earlier opponents.
Haiyan represented Sri Lanka in both the Efootball Boys 1v1 and Street Fighter events, competing against some of the best youth players from across Asia.
Despite challenging matches, his participation demonstrated the courage, discipline, and spirit that continue to define Sri Lanka’s Esports athletes.
Ramesh Liyanage, Secretary of the Sri Lanka Esports Association who also accompanied the team as the Team Manager, shared,
“This was a valuable experience for our young athletes who had the chance to interact with competitors from across Asia and witness high-level Esports on an international stage.
Competing far from home, they showed confidence, determination, and pride in representing Sri Lanka.
Their participation marks another step forward in proving that Esports is a recognised and respected sport, and will inspire future generations to keep striving to bring the next medal for Sri Lanka through Esports home.”
For over a decade, Dialog Axiata has been the driving force behind the rise of Esports in Sri Lanka, championing its growth from grassroots tournaments to the international stage.
As the long-standing partner powering Esports in the country, Dialog is also the proud sponsor of the National Cricket, Volleyball and Netball and Esports teams.
Dialog is also the primary sponsor of the Sri Lanka Golf Open and Paralympic sports by powering the National Para Games, and the Sri Lankan contingent to the World Paralympic Games.
Further, in line with its commitment towards powering the champions of tomorrow, the company continues to power the National Junior and Senior Netball tourneys and School Rugby.
Gamer.LK, Sri Lanka’s leading Esports and digital entertainment organisation, has been at the forefront of developing the local Esports ecosystem by organising tournaments, creating platforms for players, and driving the growth of the community.
About SLESA
The Sri Lanka Esports Association (SLESA) was founded in 2010 and is the officially recognised body for the governance of Esports in Sri Lanka by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
Esports was recognised as the 70th official sport in Sri Lanka in 2019 and SLESA actively promotes the sport as ‘Sri Lanka Esports’.
SLESA consists of member clans working together with other stakeholders to provide the framework and governance for Esports allowing it to be promoted and grow within the country.
For more updates on SLESA, visit www.esports.lk, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/srilankaesports.
Photo Captions
1. Sri Lanka’s Esports athletes Sayuni Sadushika and Haiyan Aqwam proudly represented the nation at the 3rd Asian Youth Games 2025 in Bahrain.
2. Haiyan Aqwam of Zahira College (National School), Puttalam, represented Sri Lanka in both Efootball and Street Fighter events at the Asian Youth Games 2025, gaining valuable international experience.
3. Sayuni Sadushika of IES College International, Polonnaruwa, won a match against Mongolia and became Sri Lanka’s first female school Esports athlete to win an international match.