The NSBM Athletics Club has achieved a remarkable victory at the 41st Mercantile Athletic Championship 2026, emerging as the Champions of the Higher Education Category following an outstanding performance across three days of intense competition.

Held from 21 to 23 August 2026 at the Diyagama Mahinda Rajapaksa Stadium, the championship brought together athletes from across the country to compete in a range of track and field events and relays. Representing NSBM Green University, the Athletics Club demonstrated exceptional skill, determination and team spirit throughout the competition, ultimately securing the top position in the newly introduced Higher Education Category.

Adding to NSBM’s success, Wechitha Rajapaksha delivered an outstanding individual performance, winning the University Boys 100m event with a time of 11.22 seconds and earning a gold medal. His performance secured 822 IAAF points, earning him the prestigious title of Best Male Athlete of the Higher Education Category.

The introduction of the Higher Education Category by the Mercantile Athletic Federation this year marks an important initiative to provide a competitive platform for young and emerging athletes from Sri Lanka’s non-state higher education sector. The initiative creates greater opportunities for university athletes to showcase their talent, compete at a higher level and pursue excellence in athletics.

The achievement of the NSBM Athletics Club reflects the University’s commitment to nurturing talent beyond the classroom and providing students with opportunities to excel in sports, leadership and other areas of personal development.