The national League of Legends team from Sri Lanka participated in the 2026 Asian Games Esports Qualifiers in Malaysia, achieving a significant victory against Kazakhstan during the group stage. The team, chosen and backed by the Sri Lanka Esports Association (SLESA), aimed to secure a spot in the upcoming 20th Asian Games, scheduled to take place in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan, in September and October of 2026. Only the top teams from the qualifiers are eligible to compete on the main Esports platform. Although Sri Lanka’s journey ended in the group stage, their win over Kazakhstan highlighted the team’s development and potential.
The roster included Ashen “TheShyB0y” Tennakoon, Navindu “Que2” Handapangoda, Dilshan “Luvtwo” Kurukulasuriya, Tharuka “KratoZ” Fernando, and Manusha “hydra” Jayasinghe, with Nishal “Nishastic” Ranaweerasinghe serving as the substitute and Gamunu “ScorpionX” Palleha Balasooriyage as the coach.
In a group that featured formidable opponents like India, Jordan, and Kazakhstan, Sri Lanka faced tough competition. However, they managed to secure a well-executed victory against Kazakhstan, which became the highlight of their campaign. As the group stage unfolded, the team demonstrated increasing discipline and confidence. Despite losses to India and Jordan preventing further advancement, the win against Kazakhstan marked a significant step forward for the team, offering a solid foundation for future competitions.
Submit Your Press Release
Get your company news, announcements, launches, appointments and events in front of a wider audience.
Captain Ashen Tennakoon, known as TheShyB0y, expressed the importance of the victory, stating, “Defeating Kazakhstan on this platform is incredibly meaningful for us. The last time we played against them, we fell short, and that defeat lingered. We have been putting in tremendous effort to close the gap with Asia’s top teams, and this win is evidence that we are making progress. It’s a poignant moment for us, symbolizing our journey. We will continue to strive, practice diligently for the next tournament, and do everything possible to make our nation proud.”
Dialog Axiata PLC has continued its long-term support as the Official Sponsor of Sri Lanka’s National Esports team. Leveraging Dialog 5G Ultra, recognized as the fastest-growing and leading 5G network in the country, Dialog has played a pivotal role in the development of competitive Esports in Sri Lanka, investing in the sport and its athletes well before it gained widespread popularity. Their commitment to nurturing talent reflects a strong belief in the potential of this generation of Sri Lankan Esports athletes.
Additionally, Gamer.LK, the foremost video gaming and Esports company in Sri Lanka, acted as the strategic partner for SLESA, aiding in the execution, operations, and promotion of the event. Their ongoing involvement has been crucial in shaping the local Esports scene and ensuring the success of national-level initiatives.
Photo – Sri Lanka League of Legends Team Concludes Asian Games 2026 Qualifiers with Win Over Kazakhstan.
Source: Financial Chronicle Biz English | Sri Lanka Business News.
