17th December 2021 21:17:50 Hours
Inter Battalion Taekwondo Tournament - 2021 Finals organized by 17 (V) VIR ceremonially commenced with the patronage of Colonel of the Regiment VIR, Major General Nishantha Manage, on 17 December 2021 at Regimental Centre Sport Complex with the gracious presence of General Officer Commanding of 58 Infantry Division, Major General Rohitha Aluvihare. 14 battalions competed for the reign of Taekwondo on 15, 16 and 17 December 2021, following COVID-19 health guidelines by the organizers.
Members of 14 teams with their supporting staff, Regimental Sergeant Major and all regimental staffing ORs joined in cheering and encouraging the finalists.
Taekwondo was introduced to the Sri Lanka Army in 1998 by Korean Grandmaster Keesuli as a Martial Art as well as a sport. The debut participation by a VIR team for an Inter Regiment Taekwondo Tournament was taken place in 2013 and they emerged as Champions of that tournament. In Sri Lanka Army Inter Regiment showcase, VIR Taekwondo Team emerged as 2nd Runner-Up in 2017 and VIR Taekwondo Poomsae Team consecutively emerged as Champions from 2017 to 2019. In present, 05 players belong to VIR represents the Sri Lanka Army Taekwondo squad.
Centre Commandant, Deputy Centre Commandant, Grade I Staff Officers of the Regimental Centre and Commanding Officer of 17th Battalion the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Major Ravindra Jayasundara welcomed the day’s protagonist, Major General Rohitha Aluvihare, the General Officer Commanding of 58 Infantry Division on his arrival and conducted him to the main dais.
This is one of the unique event annually organized by VIR Sports arena to amplify colours of the respective battalions. In this unique platform to witness reflexes, speed and agility of the soldiers, 4 VIR emerged as the Champions by defeating 7 VIR. The Second Runner-Up slot was acquired by 5 VIR.
The day’s Chief Guest expressing his happiness over VIR Taekwondo achievements congratulated each of them and distributed trophies and medals to the winners. Ceremonial closing of the event was marked with the closing statement by the Chief Guest and Commanding Officer of 17th Battalion the Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment, Major Ravindra Jayasundara expressed his oral tribute in his thanking speech to every personnel who assisted to make this event a grand success.
VIR Senior officers, Commanding Officers and battalion representatives, Regimental Staff and Other Ranks attended for the awarding ceremony.
