The 36th National Youth Sports Festival, jointly organized by the National Youth Services Council, the Sri Lanka Federation of Youth Clubs, and the Ministry of Youth Affairs, commences today (30) at the Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium in Diyagama.
Launched in 1986 and described as a ‘grand sporting festival for the youth, uniting the four corners of the land,’ this event aims to identify the athletic talents of the younger generation, enhance their sporting capabilities, foster sportsmanship and leadership qualities, and channel gifted athletes toward national-level competitions.
The festival, which had previously been held across two age categories for 34 editions, was restructured last year to cover the 15–29 age range; swimming, badminton, and chess events were also introduced at that time. Notably, due to the swimming events, Gampaha lost the overall championship title—which they had held for eight consecutive years—to Kandy, who emerged as champions for the first time last year.
At this year’s sports festival, the best male and female athletes will each receive a cash prize of one million rupees. Additionally, a prize of 100,000 rupees will be awarded for setting a Sri Lankan record, while 10,000 rupees will be granted for establishing a youth sports record.
The overall champions of the tournament will receive 200,000 rupees, the runners-up will be awarded 150,000 rupees, and those securing third place will receive 100,000 rupees. Notably, arrangements have also been made to provide cash prizes for school marching bands.
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